PASSAGES 
FROM THE DIARY 



OP 



CHRISTOPHER MARSHALL, 



KEPT IN PHILADELPHIA AND LANCASTER DURING i 

I. 
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. 



EDITED BY 

WILLIAM DUANE, 

MEMBER or THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



VOLUME I. 

1774 1777, 



PHILADELPHIA: 

HAZARD & MITCHELL, No. 178 CHESTNUT STREET. 

Criasy & Markley, Printers, No. 4 Minor Street, 

1839—1849. 






X' 



, ( 



>i.^' 



PREFACE. 



The part of the following work comprising the years 
1774, 1775 and 1776 was published in the year 1839, and 
having met with the approbation of those qualified to judge 
of its merits, extracts from Mr. Marshall's Diary for the 
year 1777, are now added. The extracts which I have 
made for the four following years are sufficient to make a 
second volume of like size, which, I hope, will one day be 
laid before the public. The Diary, so far as it at present 
exists, covers only the eight years from 1774 to 1781, 
inclusive. 

Christopher Marshall, the Diarist, was one of the most 
respectable citizens of Philadelphia. Having accumulated 
a competency as a druggist, he had retired from business 
prior to the commencement of the revolution, and having 
ample leisure, his attachment to the American cause brought 
him forward into various posts of honor and responsibility 
connected with the progress of the revolution. It will be 
seen from the following pages, that he was on friendly and 
confidential terms with many leading men in the Conti- 
nental Congress, and the new Government of Pennsylvania. 



iv PREFACE. 

Mr. Marshall was cut off from the Society of Friends 
for the active part which he took on the Whig side in the 
contest with the mother country. This will account for 
the severity with which he notices some of the actions of 
the members of that society, who in taking an active part 
on the side of Great Britain, departed, as he thought, as 
much from the doctrine and discipline of the society as 
himself. Full confidence may be placed, however, on all 
that he mentions as coming within his own knowledge, his 
character for truth and honor having come down to us 
unsullied. 

December^ 1849. 



MARSHALL'S 
REMEMBRANCER 



1774. 

January 9th. Very little news has transpired this 
week, except an observation on the conduct of the Bos- 
tonians. See Pennsylvania Journal, No. 1623. * * 

ISth. Sundry resolves were passed by our As- 
sembly respecting the riots in the county of Northumber- 
land; also, some resolutions were laid before the House 
from Maryland. 

20th. This day was published a scheme for a So- 
ciety of Innoculating for the Small Pox. 

March 23(1. Account of [the] destruction of tea in 
Boston reached London about [the] 20th of January, and 
our tea ship sent back arrived at Dover the 25th same month. 

^^pril 25th. Received by ship Concord, Captain Vo- 
lans, from Bristol, eighty-four pamphlets from my friend, 
George Stonehouse. Great debates in the House of Com- 
mons. See Pennsylvania Journal, No. 1641. 

May 21 St. This day part of [the] Standing Commit- 
tee met to consider the resolve of the town of Boston, sent 
here by express, but as they were uncertain what the Pro- 
vinces of Maryland, Virginia, and Carolina would do, they 

a2 



6 Marshall's [1774. 

appointed a suitable answer to be wrote back to New York 
and Boston, and at [the] same time wrote to other Pro- 
vinces to know their minds on this alarming occasion, which 
was sent by express, and [they] wait till its return. The 
same day arrived the ship Prosperity, Captain M'Culloch, 
from Belfast in twenty-eight days, with four hundred and 
fifty passengers. 

May SOth. A number of the inhabitants, composed of 
most of the different Societies in this city, met and agreed 
that it would be proper to express their sympathy for their 
brethren at Boston, by suspending all business on that day, 
viz. the first of June. 

June 1st. This being the day when the cruel act for 
blocking up the harbour of Boston took effect, many of the 
inhabitants of this city, to express their sympathy and show 
their concern for their suffering brethren in the common 
cause of liberty, had their shops shut up, their houses kept 
close from hurry and business ; also the ring of bells at 
Christ Church were muffled, and rung a solemn peal at in- 
tervals, from morning till night : the colours of the vessels 
in the harbour were hoisted half-mast high ; the several 
houses of different worship were crowded, where divine ser- 
vice was performed, and particular discourses, suitable to the 
occasion, were preached by F. Allison, Duffield, Sprout, and 
Blair. Sorro-w^, mixed with indignation, seemed pictured 
in the countenances of the inhabitants, and indeed the whole 
city wore the aspect of deep distress, being a melancholy oc- 
casion. 

4th. This being the birth-day of King George 
III., scarcely, if any, notice was taken of it in this city, by 
way of rejoicing: not one of our bells suffered to ring, and 



1774.] REMEMBRANCER. 7 

but very few colours were shown by the shipping in the har- 
bour ; no, nor not one bonfire kindled. 

June Sth. This day a petition was presented to John 
Penn, our governor, (signed by near nine hundred respecta- 
ble freeholders in and near this city,) requesting him to call 
the Assembly, in order to consider the proceedings of the 
British Parliament towards America in their proceedings 
against the town of Boston, &c. <fec., to which his Honour 
was pleased to return the following answer, " Gentlemen, 
upon occasions when the peace, order, and tranquillity of 
the Province require it, I shall be ready to convene the As- 
sembly ; but as that does not appear to be the case at pre- 
sent, I cannot think such a step would be expedient or con- 
sistent with my duty." 

Qth. A great number of mechanics met at the 
State House about six o'clock in the evening, in order to con- 
sider an answer to send to the tradesmen of New York, who 
had written to this city respecting what was necessary to be 
done. At this meeting, John Ross, Esq. opened the reasons 
for calling them together, read their letter, &c. ; upon which 
a committee amongst the tradesmen was appointed, who are 
to answer the said letter, and communicate and keep up a 
correspondence with the committee at New York. 

10/A. There was a meeting held at the Philoso- 
phical Hall, and also the day after, consisting of the com- 
mittee and a number of other inhabitants, called in from all 
Societies in town, to advise, consult and deliberate upon the 
propositions that were to be laid before the general meet- 
ing of the inhabitants on the eighteenth instant, near the 
State House, at three o'clock in the afternoon. 

\%th. A very large and respectable meeting of 
the freeholders and freemen of this city and county met in 



8 



[1774. 



the State House yard, where Thomas Willing and John 
Dickinson were chairmen, when they entered into six spi- 
rited resolves, and chose forty-three persons as committee- 
men to transact their affairs. 

June 22c?. This day twenty-nine of the committee met 
at the Carpenters' Hall, in Chesnut-street, Thomas Wil- 
ling in the chair, agreed and appointed three of their mem- 
bers, viz. Joseph Reed, John Nixon, and Thomas Wharton 
to wait upon the Speaker of the Assembly, requesting him 
to call the Assembly, and to give them a positive answer 
whether he would or not, before they made their report to 
the General Committee that is to meet on Monday, the 27th 
inst. They also, at this meeting, appointed a number of 
their members to go to different parts of the city and suburbs 
to crave collections for poor Boston. 

July Wth. This day arrived at New Castle, the ship 
Minerva, Captain Lindsey, from Newry, with four hundred 
and fifty passengers. 

15//i. This day, about four o'clock, P. M. met at 
the Carpenters' Hall, in this city, the representatives ap- 
pointed to attend from the several committees of the different 
counties in this Province, viz. Bucks, Chester, Lancaster, 
York, Cumberland, Berks, Northampton, and Northumber- 
land, to confer with the committee chosen by this city and 
county, and also to consult and consider what may be proper 
to propose to our General Assembly that is called by our 
Governor to meet the 18th instant, respecting the critical situa- 
tion of all the American Colonies. There appeared in this 
meeting great unanimity, and a set of resolves [was adopted] 
in general, declaratory of the sense of this Province on the 
present state of British America, and the peculiar sufferings 



1774.] REMEMBRANCER. 9 

of our brethren in Boston, in order to lay before our Assem- 
bly, the 18lh. 

Arrived this day at New Castle, the ship Peace 
and Plenty, Captain McKinzey, with four hundred passen- 
gers, from Belfast. 

July 2ist. The delegates from the several counties of 
this Province have sat every day (First Day excepted) since 
the 15th inst., preparing a set of general resolves declaratory 
of the sense of this Province on the present state of British 
America, and the peculiar sufferings of our brethren in Bos- 
ton, and as our Assembly have resolved themselves into a 
grand committee, and appointed this day at ten o'clock for 
the consideration of the sundry letters from the committees 
of our sister colonies, they have given leave for our Provin- 
cial Committee to attend and hear their debates. 

22rf. The Assembly of this Province, taking 
into consideration the difficulties that have subsisted be 
tween Great Britain and her colonies, came into the measure 
proposed, that a Congress of Deputies from the several Co- 
lonies be held, as soon as may be convenient, [and] have 
appointed the following, viz., Joseph Galloway, Speaker ^ 
Samuel Rhoads, Thomas Mifflin, Charles Humphreys, 
John Morton, George Ross, and Edward Biddle. 

2bth. Accounts from New Castle of the arrival 
of the Snow Charlotte, Captain Gafney, from Waterford, 
with one hundred and ten passengers, and the ship Hope, 
Captain McClanahan, from Newry, with two hundred and 
twenty passengers. 

August Qlh. The ship Renown, Captain Keith, ar- 
rived at New Castle, from Newry, with three hundred and 
fifty passengers ; as is also the ship Needham, Captain 
Che vers, at New York, with three hundred passengers. 



10 Marshall's [1774. 

August 9th. In the Charleston packet, Captain Wright, 
came passengers, the Hon. Henry Middleton and Edward 
Rutledge, Esq's., two of the gentlemen who are nominated 
to attend the Congress from the Colony of South Carolina. 

iOth. Also arrived, the ship Hannah, Captain 
Mitchell, from Londonderry, with four hundred passengers, 
and Captain Jones, from London, with one hundred passen- 
gers, mostly tradesmen. 

22(1. Arrived, brig Sea Nymph, Captain Moore, 
from Charleston, South Carolina, with whom [came] pas- 
sengers Thomas Lynch and Christopher Gadsden, two of 
the delegates from that Province. The latter end of this week 
came to town. Col. Nathaniel Fulson and Major John Sul- 
livan, delegates from New Hampshire. 

29th. Came to town, Hon. Thomas Cushing, 
Samuel Adams, Robert Treat Paine, and John Adams, de- 
legates from the Province of Massachusetts Bay, with whom 
came in company, from New York, John Rutledge, delegate 
from South Carolina, who took his passage to New York. 
SOth. Arrived, the ship Alexander, Captain 
Hunter, with about six hundred passengers, from London- 
derry. 

31s/. Also, this week, arrived the delegates from 
New York, New Hampshire, Connecticut, [and] Maryland, 
with sundry members from the lower counties,* and some 
from this Province. 

Sepfeinber 5th. The gentlemen that arrived in town 
as delegates, about fifty-three in number, met at the Car- 
penters' Hall, when Hon. Peyton Randolph was chosen 
chairman, and Charles Thompson, secretary. 

♦ The three counties now forming the State of Delaware. 



1774.]] REMEMBRANCER. 11 

September 12th. The delegates from North Carolina, 
viz., Joseph Hewes and William Hooper, Esq's., arrived this 
day, and Richard Caswell, Esq., the other delegate, is hourly 
expected. This same day and yesterday, the eight com- 
panies of the Royal Regiment of Ireland marched from 
hence, in two divisions, for Amboy and Elizabethtown, to 
be shipped for Boston. 

24th. This same day began the Quakers' Yearly 
Meeting, and continued from day to day, until the first of 
October, from which meeting, they sent forth an episde that 
has given great offence to the friends of freedom and liberty 
in America. 

October 1st. Election this day, when G. Gray, Henry 
Pawling, John Dickenson, Joseph Parker, Israel Jacobs, 
Jonathan Roberts, Michael Hillegas, and Samuel Rhoads, 
were chosen Representatives for this county. 

3d. This day Thomas Mifflin and Charles Thomp- 
son were elected Burgesses for this city. 

4:th. Samuel Rhoads was chosen mayor of this 
city. 

20th. This day the Assembly of this Province 
gave a grand entertainment unto all the delegates from the 
different Provinces at this time in the city, at what is called 
the New Tavern, in Second-street.* 

November 1th. Notice being given this morning of a 
meeting, to be held this afternoon at the State House, a num- 
ber met, at which it was concluded that a new committee, 
to the number of sixty, should be chosen, to manage public 
affairs for this City, the Southern and Northern Liberties, to 
be chosen by ballot, the 12th inst., and to continue in that 

* The building above Walnut-streetj lately known as the Merchants' 
Coffee House. 



12 MARSHALL S [1774* 

station till the meeting and sitting of the next Congress, and 
two weeks after the said Congress breaks up, and no 
longer. 

November I4th. This day the Freeholders meet pur- 
suant to agreement, at the State House, and choose by ballot, 
sixty inhabitants for committee men, as was before agreed 
upon ; but as the Southern District complained that it was not 
fully represented, they therefore requested that^four of their 
District might be added to the sixty that were chosen, the 
which was granted them, and also three were afterwards 
added on the Northern Liberty account. Within the week 
past, some vessels are arrived from Ireland, and one from 
Holland, with a number of passengers. 

December 4th. Arrived, the ship Jamaica, R. Graham, 
from London, with a great quantityof goods, upon which, 

the committee was called ; also arrived, the ship , 

from , with salt and coals. As^these arrived after 

the time specified by the General Congress, they come under 
the regulation of Article the lOlh of the Association. 

5th. The ship Friendship, Captain Jann, from 
Cork, is arrived at New Castle, with two hundred passengers. 

6th. Arrived, the ship Pennsylvania Packet, 
Captain Osborne, from Liverpool, in seven weeks, said to 
be full of goods ; upon which there was a meeting of the 
merchants to consider what was necessary, and to wait on 
the committee with an application in order to hear their re- 
solutions, the which were published in handbills, the next 
day, for their government. 

8/^. In the handbills published yesterday, the 
committee recommended to all importers of goods, a perusal 
of, and attention to, the 11th Article of the General Con- 
gress, viz., " That a committee be chosen in every county, 



1774.] REMEMBRANCER. 13 

city, and town, by those who are qualified to vote for Re- 
presentatives in the Legislature, whose business it shall be, 
attentively to observe the conduct of all persons touching 
this Association, and when it shall be made to appear, to 
the satisfaction of a majority of any such committee, that 
any person within the limits of their appointment has vio- 
lated this Association, that such majority do forthwith cause 
the truth of the case to be published in the Gazette, to the 
end that all such foes to the rights of British America may 
be publicly known and universally contemned as the ene- 
mies of American liberty, and thenceforth, we respectively 
will break off all dealings with him or her. 

February SOth. Debates in the Quaker Monthly 
Meeting this day, which held by and with adjournment till 
ten at night, and then adjourned to the second day of next 
month, 

1775. 

January 2d. Which meeting held from six until near 
ten o'clock. The debates ran high respecting their conduct 
in these troublesome times that are expected. In regard 
thereto, their members were enjoined not to concern them- 
selves in the public disputes, nor to interrupt any of the 
king's officers in the discharge of their duty, but to pay all 
humble and dutiful obedience unto the king or his ministers' 
mandates, from time to time; not to join, nor be in any of 
the city, county, provincial, or general committees, if so, 
whoever offends is to be dealt with as walking contrary to 
their discipline. 

Qth. A remarkable circumstance : — This day, 
about three, P. M., a girl, brought up by my wife, named 
Polly , about twelve years old, went out to slide 

B 



14 Marshall's 1775.] 

or play, dressed as 'usual, without cap or bonnet, and did 
not return till about nine o'clock next morning. All this 
space of time, she says that she was in no house, nor near 
any fire, but sat between two logs all that night, in an open 
lot, in Spruce-street (as she says) yet received nor took no 
cold, although it was one of the coldest freezing nights this 
winter. 

January ISth. * * This evening the city and suburbs 
committee met Some of them waited on the Carpenters' 
Company for the use of their Hall for the Provincial Com- 
mittee to meet in, and were answered that they might have 
[it] for paying ten shillings per diem.* Spokesman^ Joseph 
Fox 

23^. The committee from all the counties in this 
Province met, (except from Bucks,) to the amount of near 
one hundred, at the State House ; broke up the twenty- 
eighth, having finished all their business amicably. 

24th. Meetings daily amongst the Quakers, in 
order, if possible, to defeat the pacific proceedings of the 
Continental Congress, calling upon their members not to 
meet the county committees, but entirely to withdraw from 
them, under the penalty of excommunication. * * * This 
day was also a paper published, called a Testimony of the 
People called Quakers, in which is contained such gross 
abuse against all persons that oppose their fallacious schemes^ 
and stuffed with such false contradictions, that it will be a 
lasting memento of the truth of what Robert Walker, one of 
their public preachers, now here, often told them, and warn- 
ed them to take care, because, says he, the Lord is departed 

* Pennsylvania Currency — seven shillings and sixpence of which 
were equal to a dollar. 



i^ 



1775.] REMEMBRANCER. 15 

from you, as he did from Saul, and has given you over to 
your own devices. * * 

January 27/A. This day John Dickinson attended the 
Provincial Congress in order to show and contradict the 
notorious lies promulgated in Rivington's paper, No. 91. 
At Dr. Chovel's Lecture.* 

February lUli. This day was published, in J. Hum- 
phrey's Ledger, No. 3, a scandalous letter, said to come 
from Kent County, Delaware. f 

13^/i. Some time last week arrived, from London, 
the ship Polly and Peggy, but brought no kind of merchant 
goods : in that time also arrived a brig from Madeira, having 
a few pipes of wine. The owner advised the committee, 
and declared his intentions to send away the said vessel and 
wines, agreeably to the direction of the Congress. 

2Sth. This day a petition was presented by the 
Quakers' interest, requesting the suspending of our fairs in 
this city : also, a petition from our committee respecting no 
negroes to be any more imported here. 

March 1st. Early this morning, departed these parts, 
universally lamented by the friends of slavery, but to the joy 
and satisfaction of the lovers of freedom, that baneful and 
detested weed. East India TEA, whose return is never 
desired or wished for by the true sons of American liberty. 

9th. Yesterday evening, arrived, ship Chalkley, 
Captain Spain, from Bristol, who brought account that his 
Majesty had received the petition of our American Congress, 
and promised to lay it before the Parliament, who were to 
meet, by adjournment, the nineteenth of January. In the 

* See Appendix, (B.) 
t See entry of April 29th. 



16 Marshall's [1775. 

interim, petitions are preparing by the body of merchants in 
London, Bristol, and all over England. This news causes 
our Tories to be quite jaw-fallen and sullen. 

March \lth, * * Yesterday an election was held at 
the Carpenters' Hall, for choosing officers for the new manu- 
factory, set on foot for making woollens, linen, and cotton, 
when Joseph Stiles was chosen Treasurer, James Cannon, 
Secretary, and twelve managers, viz., Christopher Marshall, 
Jacob Winey, Isaac Gray, Samuel Wetherill, Jr., Chris- 
topher Ludwick, Frederick Kuhl, Robert Strettle Jones, 
Richard Wells, Thomas Tilbury, James Popham, and Isaac 
Howell, for one year. 

2\st. Last night, nine of the managers met at 
Captain Stiles' school-room, sent for William Smith, who 
came, of whom we took his house in Market Street, for 
three years, for forty pounds per annum. 

22d. The Pennsylvania Journal, No*. 1685, gives 
a succinct account of the proceedings of [the] New York 
and Elizabeth Town Committees respecting the state of the 
case of Messrs. Robert and John Murray, merchants of New 
York, who had landed goods out of the ship Beulah, from 
Londonderry, contrary to the resolve of Congress. * * 

23f/. Account from New York yesterday, that 
Messrs. Murrays' house and store [were] shut up, and a 
seal put upon the latter. Thus may be seen the manly 
behaviour of the committee of New York, notwithstanding 
the opposition they met with, both in their Assembly House 
and public proceedings, by the enemies of our country. 
The committee of the county of Cumberland, New Jersey, 
have also published the behaviour of Silas Newcomb, Esq., 
respecting persisting in drinking East [India] Tea, since th^ 



1775.] REMEMBRANCER. 17 

first of March, agreeably to the eleventh Article of the 
American Congress. See Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 2413. 
^pril 13. This morning was published the Address 
of the Lords and Commons to his Majesty, on the ninth of 
last February, wherein they declare Massachusetts Bay in a 
state of rebellion, and countenanced and encouraged by un- 
lawful combinations in several of the other Colonies, and 
also, that all the Bostonians who signed, as they call it, a 
league and covenant, are declared by the crown lawyers, to 
have committed an overt act of high treason. Thereupon 
were ordered for Boston, to chastise them, three regiments 
of foot, one of dragoons, seven companies of marines, a large 
train of artillery. Notwithstanding all this, some of our 
staunch friends in England beheld with horror the ministerial 
proceedings, and as proof thereof, and to their lasting fame 
be it recordered, that the Constitutional Society stepped 
forth, and showed their dislike of those cruel proceedings 
by their resolving unanimously, that One hundred Pounds 
sterling be sent by that Society to Dr. Franklin, requesting 
him to transmit the same for the relief of the town of Boston. 
20th. * * News brought by post this day, of the 
arrival of the Snow, Sir William Johnson, Captain Dean, 
at New York, the 19th, in thirty-one days from London. 
It is said his papers are to [the] 5th [pf ] March, and [he] 
says that " Sixteen men-of-war and ninety-five transports are 
certainly coming out to America, to bring over eleven regi- 
ments and two troops of horse, he thinks, to New York," 
and that " a nobleman is ordered out to New York, in order 
to bring about a pacification," (1 hope) and that " the city 
of London have subscribed thirty thousand pounds sterling 
for the poor of Boston." 



18 Marshall's [1775. 

2lst. * * Went to the Manufactory before ten, 
stayed till eleven, in company and back with Frederick 
Kuhl, my attending partner each day for one week ; morn- 
ing at ten, afternoon at three. * * * James Cannon came, 
brought the first and second " Crisis," read them, and stayed 
to supper. 

^^pril 22d. * * Under the London head, Feb. 7th, it 
is said "The regiment of light-horse, destined for America, 
are all equipping with new accoutrements. On their caps 
is the following motto, ' Death or Glory,' and a death's head 
likewise embroidered;" and it is farther said that "It is 
intended to put the refractory Colonies under military go- 
vernment, and to grant special charters and privileges to 
those of them who are obedient. This day, March the 7th, 
at noon, the two sheriffs and the hangman attended at the 
Royal Exchange, in order to burn a periodical paper, called 
' The Crisis, No. 3,' and the pamphlet entitled ' The Pre- 
sent Crisis with respect to America.' As soon as the fire 
was lighted before the Exchange, it was immediately put out, 
and dead dogs and cats thrown at the officers. A fire was 
then made in Cornhill, and the pelting still continued.'^ It 
is farther said, " There are at this time, between London 
Bridge and Lime House, more than three hundred vessels, 
with brooms at their mast-heads, as a token that they are 
for sale." Feb. 10 — it is said "An eminent Quaker, at the 
meeting of the merchants declared, however lightly and 
contemptuously their petitions were treated, he was fully 
satisfied that the Americans would, to a man, die, if the act 
in his hand, which he held up, was not repealed :" to which 
add, in a paragraph of [a] letter from York, Feb. 13, it 
is said, "A certain celebrated lady amongst the body of 



1775.] REMEMBRANCER. 19 

Quakers, waited on the king to address him on the times, 
and after promising her an audience, he abruptly withdrew." 
* * * March 10th, It is said from London, that " Deputa- 
tions are sent from hence to Boston, to try several persons 
in America," and that " the twelve sail of frigates destined 
for Boston, have stores, and are completely victualled for 
twelve months. The Generals, MacKay, Howe, and 
Clinton, were to embark with the troops, the 12th of 
March. * * 

Spril 24:th. * * About five this afternoon, arrived an 
express, for the particulars of which see the printed piece 

annexed.* 

25th. * * Went to the manufactory with my 

partner. At four, he and I went to the State House, there 
being a meeting pursuant to public notice, which, by com- 
putation, amounted to eight thousand, in order to consider 
the measures to be pursued in the present critical affairs of 
America. * * 

26th. * * A second express came this afternoon, 
which see in printed piece annexed. f 

Jipril 21th. * * Another account, being several ex- 
tracts of letters per post, from Boston, of the 19th and 20th, 
giving further account of the behaviour of the troops, and of 
their precipitate retreat unto Charleston. See postscripts to 
Pennsylvania Journal and Gazette, (No. 1690, and No. 
2418.) 

* The leaf marked A,, an exact copy of the original slip. 

t The leaf marked B., an exact copy of the original slip. The state- 
ment that Lord Percy was killed is erroneous. Be afterwards fell in the 
battle of Brandy wine. 



(20) 



[A] 
PHILADELPHIA, APRIL 24, 1775. 

Jin express arrived at Five o^ clock this evening, by luhich 
we have the following advices : 

Watertown, Wednesday Morning, near 10 of the clock. 

To all friends of American Liberty, be it known, that 
this morning before break of day, a brigade consisting of 
about 1000 or 1200 men landed at Phipps's Farm, at 
Cambridge and marched to Lexington, where they found a 
Company of our Colony Militia in arms, upon whom they 
fired without any provocation, and killed six men and 
wounded four others. By an express from Boston, we 
find another brigade are now upon their march from Boston, 
supposed to be about 1000. The bearer. Trail Bissel, is 
charged to alarm the country quite to Connecticut ; and all 
persons are desired to furnish him with fresh horses, as they 
may be needed. I have spoken with several, who have seen 
the dead and wounded. Pray let the Delegates from this 
Colony to Connecticut see this, they know Col. Forster, 
one of the Delegates. 

J. Pal>ier, one of the Committee. 

A true Copy from the Original, per order of the Com- 
mittee of Correspondence of Worcester, April, 1775. 

Attested and forwarded by the Committees of Brookline, 
Norwich, New London, Lyme, Saybrook, Killingsworth, 
E. Guilford, Guilford, Brandford, New Haven. 

Fairfield, Saturday, April 22, 8 o^ clock. 

Since the above was written we have received the fol- 
lowing by a second express. 

Thursday, 3 o'clock, afternoon, A. M. 

Sir, 

I am this moment informed by an express from Wood- 
stock, taken from the mouth of the Express, then two of the 
clock, afternoon — That the contest between the first Brigade 
that marched to Concord was still continuing this morning 
at the town of Lexington, to which said Brigade had re- 
treated, that another Brigade had, said to be the second men- 
tioned in the letter of this morning, landed with a quantity 



(21; 

of Artillery at the place where the first did. The Provin- 
cials were determined to prevent the two Brigades from 
joining their strength if possible, and remain in great need 
of succour. 

JV. B. The Regulars, when in Concord, burnt the Court 
House, took two pieces of cannon which they rendered 
useless; and began to take up Concord bridge on which 
Capt. ^J - '''''' " (who with many on both sides were soon 
killed) made an attack upon the king's troops, on which 
they retreated to Lexington. 

I am, 

Eb. Williams 

To Col. Obadiah Johnson, Canterbury. 

P. S. Mr. McFarlan of Plainfield, Merchant, has just 
returned from Boston, by way of Providence, who conversed 
with an express from Lexington, who further informs, that 
4000 of our troops had surrounded the first brigade above 
mentioned, who were on a hill in Lexington, that the action 
continued, and there were about 50 of our men killed, and 
150 of the regulars, as near as they could determine, when 
the express came away : it will be expedient for every man 
to go who is fit and willing. 

The above is a true copy as received per express from 
New Haven, and attested by the Committee of Correspond- 
ence, from town to town. Attest 

Jonathan Sturgis 'v 

Andrew Rowland / ^ 

Thaddius Burr \ Committee. 

Job Bartram j 

The above was received yesterday at 4 o'clock, by the 
Committee of New York, and forwarded to Philadelphia, by 
Isaac Low, Chairman of the Committee of New York. 



Printed by W. and T. Bradford. 



(22) 



[B] 
Philadelphia, April 26, 1775. 

Wednesday, 12 o^ clock. 

By an Express just arrived, we have the following. 
Wallingford, Monday morning, April 24, 1775. 
Dear Sir 

C^OL. Woodworth was over in this place yesterday and 

^^has ordered 20 men from each company in his regi- 
ment, some of which have already set off, and others go this 
morning. He brings accounts which came to him authenti- 
cated as late as Thursday afternoon. The king's troops 
being reinforced a second time and joined as 1 suppose from 
what I can learn by the party who were intercepted by Col. 
Gardiner, were then encamped on Winterhill, and were 
surrounded by 20,000 of our men who were entrenching. 

Colonel Gardiner's ambush proved fatal to Lord Percy, 
and one other General Officer, who were killed on the spot 

the first fire. To counterbalance this good news, the story 

is, that our first man in command (who he is I know not) is 
also killed.- — It seems they have lost many men on both 
sides. — Col. Woods worth had the account in a letter from 
Hartford.- — 

The country beyond here are all gone off, and we expect 
it will be impossible to procure horses for our waggons, as 
they have or will in every place employ their horses them- 
selves. In this place they send an horse for every sixth 
man and are pressing them for that purpose. 1 know of no 
way but you must send immediately a couple of able horses, 
who may overtake us at Hartford possibly, where we must 
return Mr. Noy's and Meloy's, if they hold out so far. Re- 
member the horses must be had at any rate. I am in great 
haste 

Your entire friend and humble servant 

James Lockwood. 

P. S. Col. Gardiner took 9 prisoners, and 12 clubbed 
their firelocks and came over to our party. — Colonel Gar- 
diner's party consisted of 700, and the regulars of 1800 



(23) 

instead of 1200, as we heard before. — They have sent a 
vessel up the Mystic river as far as Temple's Farm, which 
is about half a mile from Winterhill. — These accounts being 
true, all the King's Troops, except 4 or 500, must be en- 
camped on Winterhill. At the instance of the gentlemen of 
Fairfield just departed this copy is taken verbatim from the 
original, to be forwarded to that town. 

Isaac Bears 

The above is copied and authenticated by the several 
Committees through Connecticut, New York, and New 
Jersey 

-*** Winter Hill is about two miles from Boston. Wal- 
lingford is fourteen miles from Neio Haven. 

Printed by W. and T. Bradford. 



24 MARSHALL'S [1775. 

April 29th. * * Went and drank coffee at James 
Cannon's. He was not there, being gone to [the] State 
House Yard to help consult and regulate the^forming of the 
militia. After coffee, I went back to [the] Factory by an 
appointment of some of the managers, who had appointed 

to meet Gardiner, a committee man of New York, 

with whom we spent the evening. This day, about noon, 
Jabez Fisher came by persuasion to the Coffee House, and 
there declared, in the presence of a great concourse of people, 
that it was Robert Holliday, of Duck Creek, that wrote and 
sent that letter to him, which he had caused to be published 
in the Pennsylvania Ledger, No. 3, and no other person, 
upon which the people, with some reluctancy, let him go ; 
but the overseers of the poor interfered, by obliging him 
there to give security for the maintenance of his two bastard 
children. James and Drinker had bonded a vessel for New- 
foundland, and intended to slip away with her, but a number 
hearing, waited on them. At first, they equivocated, but 
the people being resolute, they delivered up the ships 
papers, and hindered her proceeding. That also prevented 
Samuel Shoemaker from loading a vessel to the same place. 
May 1st. * * This day a number of the associators 
to the militia met in each of the wards of this city, to form 
themselves into suitable companies, and to choose their 
respective officers. * * 

2d. * * Viewed some companies learning the 
use of fire-arms. * * * This day, about noon, Thomas 
Loosly, shoemaker, was brought to the Coffee House, and 
there being exalted as a spectacle to a great number of re- 
putable citizens, he there very humbly and submissively 
asked and entreated their pardon and forgiveness for his 
illiberally and wickedly villifying the measures of Congress, 



1*775.] REMEMBRANCER. 25 

the Committee, and the people of New England, sincerely 
promising that his future conduct should be just, true, and 
equitable, as should recommend him to the particular notices 
of all those whom he had so unjustly, falsely, and wickedly 
villified. On those assurances and promises, the company 
discharged him. 

May dd. * * There was a company of young men, 
Quakers, who this day asked leave of the managers to learn 
the military exercise in ^e Factory yard, which was granted, 
and they began this evening. 

4th. * * This day account came that Mr. 
Hancock and Mr. Adams are arrived at New York, on 
their way to this city, to attend the Continental Congress. 
The Quaker company, Humphries, captain, about thirty, 
exercised in the factory yard, and such is the spirit and 
alacrity of them, that few, if any, of the companies will 
sooner learn the military art and discipline, and make a 
handsomer appearance, nor be more ready to assert, at the 
.isk of their lives, the freedom of America on Constitutional 
principles. 

5th. * * Visited two families that have left Boston 
government through the violent oppressive measures exer- 
cised over them. * * * This afternoon arrived [the ship 
Pennsylvania Packet,] Captain Osborne, from London, in 
which came passenger. Dr. Benjamin Franklin, to the satis- 
faction of his friends and the lovers of liberty. 

6th. * * After dinner, went to the State House 
Yard, from thence to the commons, seeing the various com- 
panies exercise. While standing there, Major John Sullivan 
and John Langdon, Esq., two of the delegates from New 
Hampshire, with my son Benjamin, came, who, the dele- 
gates, spoke to me very kindly. * * 

c 



26 Marshall's [1775. 

May 1th. * * It's admirable to see the alteration of 
the Tory class in this place, since the account of the engage- 
ment in New England : their language is quite softened, and 
many of them have so far renounced their former sentiments 
as that they have taken up arms, and are joined in the asso- 
ciation; nay, even many of the stiff Quakers, and some of 
those who drew up the Testimony, are ashamed of their 
proceedings. It is said that J** P**, who signed that paper, 
and had called the people rebels, now declares in favour of 
the opposition made to king and parliament. The Friends 
held a meeting last Fifth day afternoon, in order to consider 
how to send a supply to the Bostonians, it being a matter 
that before they had treated with contempt and ridicule. A 
petition has been presented to the House, praying them to 
grant a sum, not less than Fifty Thousand Pounds, for the 
use of the Province at this critical time, and another petition 
praying them to consider the situation of our City, and re- 
questing them to grant leave to stop our navigation, by sink- 
ing some vessels at Red Bank. Both these petitions were 
signed by great numbers, of all the different ranks and sects 
of this city. This was done last week. This day, arrived 
Captain Robison, in [the] ship [Sukey,] from London, in 
six weeks, who brought account that the marines were em- 
barked, and the vessels sailed for Ireland to take the soldiers 
on board. He brought also a copy of the petition of the 
Quakers to his Majesty, and that the printers of the piece 
called the Crisis, were had before the Ministry on account 
of finding out the author, who being interrogated and pressed 
hard, declared that one of the writers was the Duke of 
Gloucester. They immediately discharged them without 
any farther confession. * * 



1775.] REMEMBRANCER. 27 

May 8th. * * Account from New York is that a ge- 
neral association was set on foot on the 29th ultimo, and 
signed by above one thousand of the principal inhabitants of 
the City, and it is to be transmitted to all the counties in the 
Province, when they make no doubt but it will be signed by 
all ranks of people. The purport is, that they will abide by, 
and put into execution, whatever measures may be recom- 
mended by the Continental Congress, or resolved upon by 
their Provincial Convention. This they engage to perform 
under all the sacred ties of religion, honour, and love to their 
country. (See General Advertiser, No. 185.) We hear 
also from Willismsburgh,* of Governor Dunmore's deliver- 
ing to Captain Collins's party of men, in the night, out of 
the Magazine, twenty barrels of gunpowder, which they 
carried on board the schooner Magdalen. This was highly 
resented by the people, who addressed him on the occasion, 
and requested him to return it ; but instead of his complying, 
the locks were taken off the magazine, and the schooner 
put under the protection of the Fowey, man-of-war, in York 
river, and that the Governor had fortified himself in the 
palace, &c. * * 

9th. * * This morning, arrived four of the dele- 
gates from South Carolina, in the brig Charleston Packet, 
Captain Barton, in four days passage, viz., Henry Middleton, 
Christopher Gadsden, John Rutledge, and Edward Rudedge, 
Esq's. Christopher Gadsden came to see me, and dined 
with me. In conversation, he expressed the great satisfac- 
tion he had received in reading some of the books he had 
from me, when he went last home to Carolina from this 
City, particularly Paul Sigevolk's book, entitled " The Ever- 

♦ Then the capital of Virginia. 



28 Marshall's [1775-. 

lasting Gospel," and those two books, entitled " The World 
Unmasked, or the Philosopher the Greatest Cheat," request- 
ing, that if it should please God that he and I should live to 
see peace and harmony once more restored among us . in 
these parts, I would promote a correction of the Everlasting 
Gospel, and have it, with the two other volumes of the 
World Unmasked, fairly and neatly printed, unto which he 
would sub'scribe largely, and, upon completing them, 1 might 
draw on him to the amount of Sixty Guineas, which he 
would immediately pay. This conversation gave me great 
pleasure. * * * N. B. This day, arrived these sundry 
delegates, viz., Peyton Randolph, George Washington, 
Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Lee, Edmund Pendleton, 
Benjamin Harrison, and Richard Bland, Esq's., from Vir- 
ginia ; Richard Caswell, and Joseph Hewes, Esq's., from 
North Carolina 5 Samuel Chase, Thomas Johnson, and 
John Hall, Esq's., from Maryland; Caesar Rodney and 
George Read, Esq's., from the counties of New Castle, 
Kent, and Sussex, on ihe Delaware. It is said they were 
met, about six miles from town, by the officers of all the 
companies in the city, and by many other gentlemen, on 
horseback, to the amount of five hundred. Within two miles 
of the city, the company of riflemen and infantry, with a 
band of music, met them, and conducted them through the 
City with great applause. 

May lOth. * * This day, about one o'clock, came 
into town .these following delegates, viz., John Hancock, 
Thomas Gushing, Samuel Adams,. John Adams, and Robert 
Treat Paine, Esq's., from Massachusett's Bay; Eliphalet 
Dyer, Roger Sherman, and Silas Deane, Esq's., for the 
Colony of Connecticut ; (and Thomas Lynch, South Caro- 
lina, arrived in the evening.) Delegates from New York» 



1775.] REMEMBRANCER. 29 

James Duane, Francis Lewis, John Jay, Lewis Morris, 
Philip Livingston, [and] John Alsop. Delegates from the 
Jerseys, [ ] 

May llth. * * This afternoon, the delegates opened 
the Congress at the State House; began with prayer, in 
which officiated Jacob Duche.* There were also added to 
them by our Assembly, now sitting, Dr. Benjamin Franklin, 
Thomas Willing, and James Wilson, Esq's. The Congress 
this day elected Peyton Randolph, Esq., President, and 
Charles Thompson, Secretary. 

ISth. * * The Congress are daily sitting, but 
scarcely any thing transpires from them, saving the deposi- 
tions taken relating to the beginning of the engagement at 
Lexington and Concord. 

14th. * * This morning, set off from this city, 
for Burlington, the Captains, Bradford, Pryor, and Melchor, 
with a number of others, on the report of a deserter from 
General Gage's being confined in prison there, for desertion, 
the which, upon their arrival at Burlington, they found to be 
true. They immediately went to the prison, took him out, 
and brought him to Philadelphia. * * 

I5th. '■ * This day, arrived the Hon. Samuel 
Ward, Esq., one of the delegates from the Colony of Rhode 
Island. Within these two weeks past, sundry families have 
arrived in this city from the territories of Boston, whose re- 
lations of their sufferings and distress there, are very melan- 
choly and afflicting to hear, and at present no prospect of any 
relief from under the hand of unmerited cruelty. A vessel 
this day arrived, which left Cork the 4th of April, says the 

* Rector of St. Paul's Church, Philadelphia — author of the Letters of 
T. Caspipina. 



BO Marshall's [1775. 

troops were not sailed, but were taking their horses aboard, 
&;c. 

May Mth. * * In P. Journal, No. 1693, is [a] copy 
of Robert Holliday'^s recantation and acknowledgment of his 
misconduct, the which was accepted by their committee in 
Kent county. In the Evening Post, No. 49, is [an] account 
of Governor Dunmore's Proclamation, and an account of his 
paying for the gunpowder he had suffered to be taken away, 
to the amount of three hundred and twenty pounds sterling, 
also the resolves of the committee of King William's county 
on that occasion, with the New York General Committee's 
Circular Letter to the other Colonies. * * 

18^^. * * Account brought of the taking of Fort 
Ticonderoga. See Evening Post, No. 50, for particulars. 

20/^. * * The Congress sitting every day this 
week constantly, and the militia, light infantry, horse, and 
company of artillery, exercising every day, and some ©f 
them twice a day. 

22fZ. * * This day was published, in the Penn- 
sylvania Packet, No. 187, the Congress's advice in answer 
to the New York request, how they should behave in regard 
to the troops expected there. In said paper is the Address 
of the General Committee of Association for the city and 
county of New York, to Governor Colden. * * 

24//i. * * In the last Evening Post, No. 52, is, 
it is said, General Gage's circumstantial account of the attack 
on his Majesty's troops by a number of people of the Mas- 
sachusett's Bay, April 19th. In said paper is [an] account, 
via Liverpool, 30th [of] March, that the whole regiment of 
light dragoons had, to a man, refused to come over to fight 
against this country. * * * From there to son Christo- 
pher's ; stayed and supped with eight of the delegates. 



1775.] REMEMBRANCER. 31 

About nine, an alarm was spread by beat of drum, that our 
prison was beset by a number of men, in order to rescue two 
prisoners who were under sentence of death ; but by the in- 
terposition of Captain Bradford's company, they were pre- 
vented, and some of the offenders, it's said, secured. How- 
ever, this company, with the assistance of , watched 

the prison all night. * * 

May 25th. Yesterday morning, Peyton Randolph, 
President of the Congress, set off for Virginia, as his pre- 
sence was necessary in their General Assembly, that is called 
by their governor to meet on the first of next June, at Wil- 
liamsburgh, of which he is speaker, and the Hon. John Han- 
cock was elected President. For the etymology of the word 
Yankee (alias Yankee Doodle) see Evening Post, No. 53.* 
* * * Part of two companies mounting guard at the prison, 
as I came home, in order to keep watch all night. 

27th. * * After dinner went to the place ;t drank 
Balm Tea ; from thence to a walk on the commons, near 
[the] Bettering House, seeing sundry companies of militia 
exercising, till past seven. 

28^/i. * * This day, it is said, Mary Harris, a 
Quaker preacher from Wilmington, visited the three Quaker 
Meeting Houses in this city, in a very odd manner, viz., by 
walking through each of the preacher's galleries, then down, 
passed amongst the people backwards and forwards, seem- 
ingly in great affliction and distress, uttering, it's said, words 
to this effect — '^ See to your standing, for that thus the Lord 
was about to search and examine his camp," <fcc. <fec., and 

* See Appendix (C.) 

t Mr. Marshall's country place, still in the possession of the family, 
was in Moyamensing, between Broad Street and Irish Tract Lane. 
Balm Tea was probably substituted for the interdicted article. 



32 Marshall's [1776. | 

then said, " I shall have peace in having thus discharged and 
done my Lord's errand. So farewell." 

May ^\st. * * For several particulars of public re- 
markable occurrences, see this day's Pennsylvania Journal, I 
No. 1695. * * 

June 1st. * * Guards at [the] prison, as has been 

every night since the 24th of last month, kept by the mi- ! 

litia. * * j 

2d. * * Account came that while Parson Stringer 
was at prayers with Andrew Steward, in the dungeon of our 
prison, the said Steward took that opportunity to walk up 
stairs, go out at the several prison doors into the street, and 

without any ceremony, walked off with himself, without \ 

bidding Robinson, the prison keeper, farewell, although he j 
was sitting at the front door, on the step, when he passed 

him. * * \ 

1th. In the evening, arrived ship Prosperity, j 

Captain McCuUoch, with, it is said, about four hundred • 

passengers, from Belfast: from London, ship Sally, in which j 

came passenger. Major Skem, as Governor of Ticonderoga j 

and Crown Point. * * * Came home near eleven; fine ; 

clear moonlight weather: a sentry at [the] New Tavern, ' 

over the above governor. j 

8/^. Cloudy weather, and so continued all day. I 

I rose before five, breakfasted, and went on the commons ' 

past seven. Came back past nine: then by ten went again \ 

and staid till past two, viewing the parade of the three bat- * 

talions [of] militia of the City and Liberties, with the artil- ^ 

lery company, (with two twelve-pounders and four six-pound « 

brass field pieces,) a troop of light horse, several companies 1 

of light infantry, rangers, and riflemen, in the whole, above j 

two thousand men, M^ho joined in one brigade, and went ,i 



1775.] REMEMBRANCER. 33 

through their manual exercises, firings, and manoeuvres, <fcc. 
(fee, in the presence of General Lee, the Continental Con- 
gress, and several thousand spectators, then all marched into 
town to the Coffee House. 

June I2th. * * For public occurrences, see Pennsyl- 
vania Packet, No. 190. * * 

20th. * * Went to the Factory past eight; 
stayed till twelve. Just then-about, the three battalions, 
with the troop of horse, train of artillery, and three compa- 
nies of light infantry, rangers, &c., marched by the Factory, 
having been reviewed this morning by General Washington 
and the members of the Congress. * * 

27th. * * About eight. Brigadier General Sul- 
livan set out from hence, to join the American army, near 
Boston : he was escorted by the light infantry of the three 
battalions, and by many other officers and gentlemen, a few 
miles. * ** An express arrived this day, with sundry oc- 
onrrpTip.fts, from ihp "Rostnyi f nrnp- For particulars, see the 
Evening Post, Numb. 67-* 

30th. * * This being monthly meeting, it's said 
J** P** took much pains in endeavouring to persuade the 
auditors, and they their acquaintance, by no means to keep 
the 20th of next month as a day of prayer and fasting, but 
to keep open shop and houses. This was, in plain terms, 
saying, You may frolic as much as you please on that day, 
but don't, by any means, suffer yourselves to be humble, 
or pray on that day, because it is appointed by the delegates 
for that service, to pray and worship God. This he pressed 
them to observe, that so they might not be like what he 
called the world's people. Here is another flagrant testi- 
mony to the decay of primitive Christianity, viz.,, " Pray 



34 Marshall's [1775. 

without ceasing," — " In the time of trouble, call upon me." 
&c. &c. 

July 1st. * * My son Christopher sent me a present 
of a small keg of pickled oysters, and requested my coming 
to sup at his house this evening, the which I complied with, 
and spent the evening in innocent, cheerful conversation with 
John Adams, Thomas Gushing, Samuel Adams,* and Robert 
Treat Paine, delegates from Boston. * * 

2d * * Afternoon, two o'clock, an alarm spread 
of a man of war, full of troops, seen at Bambay Hook, 
coming up. This alarmed the City, but it proved to be a 
false report. * * 

7th. * * To Grace Hastings' ; stayed there till 
church was done, there being a sermon preached at Christ 
Church to the First Battalion of the City Militia, by Jacob 
Duche. 

9th. * * It is said that some day last week, there 
was a meeting of the Quakers in this city, wherein it was 
agreed that a collection should be set afoot in that society, 
for the relief of the necessitous of all religious denominations 
in New England who are reduced to losses and distresses 
in this time of public calamity, to be distributed among them 
by a committee of their brethren in New England, and to 
this, it is said, they recommended to their brethren in their 
several meetings in New Jersey, to subscribe for [the] said 
purpose. In the evening came Colonel Dyer, [Silas] Deane, 
and [John] Jay, three of the delegates, * * * who all stayed 
and supped, and spent the evening very agreeably, till neajr 
ten o'clock, it being a fine serene night. 



♦ The name of John Adams is here repeated in the original. I have 
gubstituted Samuel, which was doubtless meant, 



1775.] REMEMBRANCER. 36 

July 14^/i.* * The many and various accounts of the 
slain at Bunker's Hill reconciled, by an account of the return 
made to General Washington on the fourth instant — of the 
Provincials, viz., one hundred and thirty-eight killed, three 
hundred and one vi^ounded, and seven missing, and the best 
account he had received of the regulars was, that eight hun- 
dred were killed, and seven hundred wounded. See Even- 
ing Post, No. 74, and J. Humphrey's Ledger, No. 25. * * 
16/A. * * After two, Charles and his wife, and 
daughter Betsey, came in the chair ; just stopped and bid 
us farewell. They were going to Bristol, to try the water, 
on account of son Charles's health.* * * * After they 
were gone, Samuel and John Adams, two of the delegates, 
came ; stayed some time. 

nth. * * Stayed at home till near six; took a 
walk to the College yard, to see the Dutch butcher ask 
pardon of one of the companies for speaking disrespectfully 
of their proceedings.! * * 

* The mineral waters at Bath, near Bristol, Bucks County, Penn- 
sylvania, did not go out of vogue until within about twenty years. 

t The following notice from the Committee of Safety, was published 
about this time : 

Committee Chamber^ Philadelphia, July 17, 1775. 
The Committee of Safety do hereby recommend it to the good women 
of this City and Province, that they voluntarily supply the Surgeons or 
Doctors who have usually attended their respective families, with as much 
scraped lint and old linen for bandage, as they can conveniently furnish, 
that the same may be ready for the service of those that shall happen to be 
wounded in the defence of their country. 

Signed by order of the Committee, 

William Govett, Clerk, C. S. 



36 Marshall's 1775.] 

July 20th. * * This being the memorable day in 
which an unjust and cruel ministry took away all our sea 
trade, as far as their inveterate malice could reach : the morn- 
ing was pleasant; fine sunshine, yet cool and agreeable 
weather, although a melancholy appearance presented, as all 
the houses and shops in our neighborhood were shut, and to 
appearance more still than a First Day produced, as there 
was no riding abroad visiting, as is generally on First Day. 
* * * Most families attended divine worship in the different 
churches and meeting houses of this city. I went to Christ 
Church, where an excellent sermon was preached on the 
occasion, from Pslam , unto a large and crowed audi- 
tory, amongst whom were, I presume, all the delegates. It 
was an awful meeting, as numbers of wet eyes demonstrated 
their attention. * * * This afternoon, Robert Taylor 
called at my house, who said there was nigh two hundred 
of their militia came up this morning from their parts to 
church, in their uniforms, as he was. He is a lieutenant, 

22d. * * My wife and I took a walk to the 
place, and, awhile after, came there, Christopher Gadsden, 
[Roger] Sherman, and Colonel Dyer, three of the delegates, 
and my son Christopher. Soon after came Dr. Brown, 

Dr. , (who was just come from Watertown, to get a 

thorough insight into making saltpetre. He was sent by the 
Provincial Congress,) and James Cannon, who all stayed 
and drank coffee, &c. * * 

24th» * * Accounts are that on the eighth in- 
stant, two hundred volunteers, from the Rhode Island and 
Massachusetts forces, had burnt and destroyed the regulars' 
guard-house, [and] brought off two muskets and accoutre- 
ments, with one halbert: this done without [the] loss of 



1775.] REMEMBRANCER. 37 

one of our men. This was an advanced post, and gave the 
regulars an opportunity of discovering our operations at 
Roxbury. On the eleventh instant, a party of men from the 
Roxbury Camp went to Long Island, in Boston harbour, 
and brought off fifteen of the regulars prisoners, between 
twenty and thirty horned cattle, and about one hundred sheep. 
The prisoners were sent from the head-quarters yesterday, 
to Concord. The same account says that General Gage's 
troops are much dispirited ; that they are very sickly, and 
are heartily disposed to leave off dancing any more to the 
tune of Yankee Doodle, and that General Gage had sent 
many reputable housekeepers in Boston, to prison, for re- 
fusing to work days' work on board the men of war, and the 
fortifications. ^ * 

July 25th. * * Account was brought last night, that 
a vessel from Hispaniola had brought and landed, for our 
use, seven tons of gunpowder, being about one hundred 
and thirty casks ; put under the care of the Committe of 
Safety. * * 

26//i. * * It's said that a person was sent to prison 
this forenoon, for attempting to spike the guns in the State 
House Yard. Account is arrived from Georgia that the peo- 
ple there, hearing of a parcel of gunpowder's being on board 
a ship just arrived from London, went, landed and secured 
it for their own use. It's said that it amounted to thirteen 
thousand pounds, and that the Georgians have appointed dele- 
gates to attend the Continental Congress, and [who] are 
daily expected. A gentleman who got off [from] Boston, 
July 10th, says that the inhabitants were numbered, and 
amounted to six thousand five hundred and seventy-three — 
the soldiers, women, and children, to thirteen thousand six 
hundred. Three hundred Tories are chosen to patrol the 

D 



38 Marshall's [1775. 

streets, forty-nine of a night. Very sickly: from ten to 
thirty funerals a day, but no bells allowed to toll. For 
further occurrences, and names of the officers killed and 
wounded, see Pennsylvania Journal, No. 1703. * * 

July 27th. This day, was launched, up town, a [gon- 
dola,] as another of [the] same construction, was launched 

last week, down town, each of them to row with oars, 

to carry , cannon, , men, and small arms. * * 

29th. * * This week, by accounts, we have re- 
ceived here, under safe custody, fifteen tons of gunpowder, 
and the same quantity [is] hourly expected, as also a parcel 
of small arms. Account is received of the Lexington affair's 
[having been heard of in England] by the return of Captain 
Darby, who carried it to England in twenty-seven days. 
See Pennsylvania Ledger, No. 28. * * * In this even- 
ing's Post is the character of General Putnam, with some 
material occurrences. See No. 81. 

SOth. * * Yesterday morning, set out from this 
town to the eastward, six wagons, each carrying one ton of 
gunpowder, escorted by twenty-four of the light infantry, 
and some riflemen of the first battalion as far as Trenton, 
then the escort was to be changed by some others at Tren- 
ton, and so proceed. This morning, it's said a pilot boat 
came up to town, loaded with gunpowder. 

August 3rf. * * Yesterday, several of our delegates 
went out of town, by virtue of their adjournment to the fifth 
of next month. * * 

4th. * * Accounts from Boston are of the dis- 
tress of the inhabitants there, beef being at Is. 4d. per lb., 
butter Is., and so in proportion; that the Provincials had 
burnt the Light House at the entrance of Boston harbour, 
pulled up the piles that were for marks for the shipping, &c., 



1775.] REMEMBRANCER. 39 

but they first took away all the furniture, fifty weight of 
powder, and several casks of oil ; that eight trransports were 
arrived with about sixteen hundred men ; exceedingly sickly 
in the town, so that every soldier that now arrives seems to 
add to their distress. From Virginia, that Lord Dunmore 
had seized a ship, and £900 out of one of the custom 
houses, for his own use ; that thereupon the people had 
seized all the money in the other custom houses (amounting 
to about ^61674 14s.) and treasury, and that the Provincial 
Convention had stopped all exports (except tobacco) from 
the 5th inst. With us, Michael Hillegas and George 
Clymer, of this City, are appointed Treasurers, and Dr. 
Franklin, Post Master General of the United Colonies of 
North America. These appointments are by the Hon. 
Continental Congress. * * * Called as I came home at 
Stephen Collins', whose wife had just received a letter from 
her husband, but no material news except the extremities of 
the people in Boston, and of four deserters who had just 
come over them, and the arrival of one hundred and six of 
our riflemen. * * 

August 5th. * * Accounts by the Constitutional 
Post yesterday are, that about 3060, being parts of nine re- 
giments, were arrived at Boston, and that, by appearances, 
General Burgoyne is in a deep settled melancholy, walks 
the streets frequently with his arms folded across his breast 
and talking to himself, and that General Gage is often out of 
his head, and that he and Admiral Greaves had publicly 
quarrelled, so that he told Gage it was a cowardly action to 
burn Charlestown. * * 

6th. * '^ Yesterday was published [a] copy of [the 
Address of] the Delegates of the United twelve American 
Colonies to the people of Ireland, dated July 28th, 1775, 



40 Marshall's [1775» 

signed by John Hancock, President. There is also a ru- 
mour now propagated, that General Gage has resigned the 
command of the troops to General Howe, and that d650,000 
sterling is remitted, in specie, to Boston, to pay and increase 
the wages of the soldiery, and that orders are [sent] to the 
Governor of Canada to attack our frontiers. 

Jlugust 9th. * ^ From Richmond, in Virginia, we hear 
that the convention sitting there has prohibited the exporta- 
tion of grain and provisions of all kinds, after the fifth of 
this month, and [have resolved] to embody three thousand 
men, exclusive of officers, and three troops of horse, to be 
stationed in the lower end of the Colony, and that between 
four and five hundred men are to be raised and quartered at 
the different forts on the frontiers, Sic, and that sixty young 
gentlemen are to be sent from that colony to serve as cadets 
in the army at Boston, &c. For sundry material occur- 
rences, see Pennsylvania Journal, Numb. 1705.* * * 

* The following advertisement was published at this time r 

To the Spinners in this City and County. 

Your services are now w^anted to promote the American Manufactory 
at the corner of Market and Ninth Streets, where cotton, wool, flax, &c., 
are delivered out. Strangers who apply are desired to bring a few lines 
from some respectable person in this neighborhood. 

One distinguishing characteristic of an excellent woman, as given by 
the wisest of men is, that " She seeketh wool and flax and worketh wil- 
lingly with her hands. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her 
hand holdeth the distaff." 

In this time of public distress., you have now, each of you^ an oppo?" 
tunity not only to help to sustain your families, but likewbe to cast your 
mite into the treasury of the public good. The most feeble effort to help 
to save the state from ruin,, when it is all you can do, is as the widow's 
mite entitled to the same reward as they who, of their abundant abihtiesj, 
have cast in much. 



1775.] REMEMBRANCER. 41 

August lUh. * * About four, the Constitutional Post 
arrived; also, about six, an express arrived from the camp, 
with sundry advices, among which were that the regulars 
were attempting to repair the light house that was burnt 
down, upon notice of which, Major Tucker was sent to 
command three hundred men, who landed under a severe 
heavy fire, and then attacked them, killed the commanding 
officer, with ten or twelve of the others, on the spot, and 
took the remainder, about thirty-five in number, prisoners, 
and ten tory carpenters [and] demolished all their work. 
While he waited for the tide to carry them off, a large num- 
ber of boats from the men-of-war came up to reinforce the 
regulars, on which ensued a smart firing. Our troops, how- 
ever, got safe back with their prisoners, with the loss of 
one man killed and two or three wounded ; that the riflemen 
at the camp had picked off ten men in one day, three of 
whom were field officers ; that of six sail of transports sent 
to the eastward of Casco Bay, for forage, with one man-of- 
war, while the parties of them were ashore in the country, 
a number of the inhabitants possessed themselves of five of 
the transports by making all aboard prisoners, to the amount 
of near four hundred soldiers and seamen, and secured the 
ships out of the reach of the man of war. * * 

12/A. Last night, arrived the Georgia Packet, from 
Georgia, in which came passengers the Hon. John Houston, 
Archibald Bullock, and Dr. Zubly,* delegates appointed to 
represent that colony in the Continental Congress. * * * 

To the Coffee House to see Major French, Ensign , 

and , who were come from Dublin in the ship , 

* A clergyman, native of Switzerland. 
D 2 



42 Marshall's [^1775. 

Captain , with suits of clothes for the 

Regiment, which our people secured. '^ * 

August 16th. * * For sundry particular and ma- 
terial pieces of news, both foreign and domestic, with the 
Congress' Petition to the King, see Pennsylvania Journal, 
No. 1706. * * * Past five, took a walk to the State 
House, election being held there for one hundred men for 
City, Southern and Northern Liberties. * * 

17 th. * * Accounts from Boston are, that the 
transports were returned and brought with them from Fish- 
er's and Gardiner's Islands, two thousand one hundred sheep, 
about one hundred head of cattle, seven tons of hay, [a] 
parcel of hogs, one thousand pounds of cheese, &c. O, 
shame on the tory party ! 

18//i. * * Past seveur to meet [the] Committee 
in the Philosophical Society's Room, where this evening 
were met forty-nine members, who proceeded to [the] choice 
of chairmen, when Joseph Reed, George Clymer, Thomas 
McKean, and Samuel Meredith were 'appointed to that ser- 
vice, Jonathan B. Smith, Secretary, Robert Stretile Jones 
and Peter Loyd, Assistants to him. Agreed that the stated 
weekly meeting be held on Tuesday evening, at seven 
o'clock, at this Philosophical Society Room, while conve- 
nient ; that all the members who are not present when the 
roll is called over, being twenty minutes after the time ap- 
pointed, pay sixpence, and if absent all the evenings one 
shilling ; and if any member met leave the company before 
business is over, without leave of the chairman, such are to 
pay five shillings ; that in all future debates, no person be 
suffered to give his sentiments on any particular but what is 
concluded in speaking twice on the same subject. * "^ 



1775.] REMEMBRANCER. 43 

August I9th. * * There is account from Boston that 
General Gage has demolished Castle William and sent all 
his family to England, and that the whole of the army would 
evacuate Boston soon, but it was thought his rage would 
carry him so far as to destroy it first ; that four captains of 
the regulars had resigned their commissions to General 
Gage, being ashamed of such base and cruel proceedings, 
and that several officers were gone for England; that the 
Provincials had taken a number of prisoners on board several 
vessels that they had taken ; that several of our companies 
of riflemen were arrived at the camp, and, by the computa- 
tion, there are twenty-five hundred of Gage's men killed 
and died since the Battle of Bunker's Hill, &c. * * * To 
the Committee, as there was a special meeting appointed to 
receive an answer from the Committee of Safety, respecting 
the soldiers' clothing that was imported in Blair McClena- 
gan's ship from Dublin, in which, their answer, they as- 
sumed it was their province to detain [them] and had them 
now in their possession until the meeting of Congress to 
dispose of them, as they, the Congress, thought proper, 
upon which a Committee was appointed to go and examine 
the said packages, to see that there was no other kind of 
goods, and report next Third Day meeting. Complaint was 
made by G. Schlosser of his having stopped a piece of linen 
of a pedler,* who thereupon applied to [Isaac] Hunt, the 
lawyer, who issued out a summons against him for the said 

* On the 27th of September, 1774, the Congress unanimously re- 
solved that from and after the First of December, 1774, there should be 
no importations from Great Britain or Ireland of any goods, wares, or 
merchandise, and that they should not be used or purchased, if imported 
after that day. 



44 Marshall's [1775. 

piece, upon which a motion was made to send for the said 
Hunt, who after first notice refused, upon which a line from 
the chairman brought him. He owned the doing of it, but 
insisted it was according to the rule of his profession, and 
could see no injury he had done. A good deal was said to 
him upon the imprudence of such proceedings, upon which 
he requested time to consult his client, and then he would 
give the Committee his answer whether he would proceed 
in carrying on the suit against G. Schlosser, or withdraw 
and discontinue the action, at the next meeting, which was 
granted him. * * 

August 2 Is/. * * Took a walk down town to see 
Benj. Betterton, who, last Seventh Day, in a jovial humour, 
jumped over a man's shoulders, but on taking the ground, 
a small stone, it's said, was there, which turned his leg so 
that he broke it about the small. When I thus visited him, 
he lay in great pain, but pretty much composed and [with] 
but little fever. * * 

22(/. * * At seven I went to meet the Commit- 
tee ; came home past ten, sundry debates detaining till that 
time. The one respecting Blair McClenagan's ship is re- 
ferred to the determination of the Congress, as we could not 

overrule their resolve of June ; the other respecting 

[Isaac] Hunt, who would give no positive answer whether 
he would prosecute the suit against George Schlosser or no, 
but requested to have the minutes of this meeting in writing, 
with leave to give his answer in writing, the which was 
looked upon to be only evasive, so it was determined, ne- 
mine contradicente, that his answer was not to satisfac- 
tion. * * 

2ith. * * Called by the way at the Coffee 
House, advice being brought that the man-of-war below had 



1775.] REMEMBRANCEn. 45 

seized Captain Mifflin's snow, from , detained her, 

and had confined both captain and mate. He seemed to be 
insolent, his mild behaviour, so much before applauded, was 
now all absorbed in ill-will and rancour; he expressed him- 
self in conversation, it's said, respecting our Committee of 
Safety far from politeness, but in low, obscene language, 
and closed it with this speech as a specimen, " That he did 

not value all their gondolas or Committee of Safety a ;" 

so much to shew the mild, complaisant gentleman! * * * 
I went to the Manufactory where we made a board, but 
before business, Thomas Tillbury spoke and behaved him- 
self very wrathful and rude in his expressions, because it had 
been urged by some of the managers, that none of us, while 
in that station, should engage and set up a manufactory for 
themselves, but if they had concluded so to do, they should 
have informed the other managers and declined acting as 
manager in this, from that time. This was the cause of his 
rancour and ill-will, which, at last I found, was chiefly le- 
velled at me, because I had insisted on the impropriety of 
serving two masters, self and this manufactory, Slc. Slc. 
Came home past nine, T. Tillbury going away very wrath- 
ful before eight. 

Jlugust 25th, * * Paid Crugillus Vanzening 48s. for 
hauling twenty-four cords of wood ; paid Jonat. Malsbary for 
twenty-four cords of wood, at 12s. 9(/., and cording ^15 10s, 
Paid Robert Tomkins 51s. 3d. for three cords of wood, at 
lis. Qd.y cording and hauling, &:c. &c. Paid for carrying 
and piling the said wood, with rum, &;c. Slc. &c., 40s. * * 
2Qth. * * At five, I went to the Coflfee House, 
being called there to meet the sub-committee on account of 
Isaac Hunt's case, and, after some conference, agreed to 
meet at said place next Second Day morning, at nine o'clock. 



46 Marshall's [1775. 

* * * For several material pieces of news respecting 
Gloucester at Cape Ann, and the Asia man-of-war's firing 
on New York, see Evening Post, Numb. 93, &;c. 

August 2Sth, * * At nine, I went to [the] Coffee 
House, met the Committee respecting Isaac Hunt; went 
away at eleven. * * * After dinner went with William 
Rush to Kensington, to see the gondola launched. * * 

29th. * * Past eleven, went to [the] Committee 
Room at [the] Coffee House, in order to enquire, with my 
other brethren, into the conduct of Captain Clay, who had 
brought in with him two officers as passengers, of whom he 
had made no report to the Committee, before they were gofle 
from this city to New York. Upon hearing what he had to 
offer, and finding things not clear in his favour, it was re- 
ferred over to the weekly meeting this evening. * * * At 
near seven, went to the Committee Room ; stayed there till 
past ten. * * 

September 1st. * * Wagons loaded with flour and 
flaxseed almost constantly passing for this week past, in 
order to ship oft*. * * 

Qth. * * For sundry public occurrences, respect- 
ing damage by [the] storm last week, and other pieces of 
news, see Pennsylvania Journal, Numb. 1708. Between 
eleven and twelve this forenoon, about thirty of our asso- 
ciators waited upon and conducted Isaac Hunt from his 
dwelling to the Coffee House, where having placed him in 
a cart, he very politely acknowledged he had said and acted 
wrong, for which he asked pardon of the public and com- 
mitted himself under the protection of the associators, to de- 
fend him from any gross insults from the populace. This, 
his behaviour, they approved him, and conducted him in 
that situation, with drum beating, through the principal 



1775.] REMEMBRANCER. 47 

Streets, he acknowledging his misconduct in divers places. 
But as they were coming down town, stopping at the cor- 
ner where Dr. Kearsley lives, to make his declaration, it's 
said the Dr. threw open his window, snapped a pistol twice 
amongst the crowd, upon which they seized him, took his 
pistol, with another in his pocket from him, both of which 
were loaded with swan shot. In the scuffle, he got wounded 
in the hand. They then took Hunt out of the cart, con- 
ducted him safe home, put Kearsley in, brought him to 
[the] Coffee House, where persuasions were used to cause 
him to make concessions, but to no effect. They then, 
with drum beating, paraded the streets round the town, 
then took him back to his house and left him there, but as 
the mob were prevented by the associators, who guarded 
him, from tarring and feathering, yet after the associators 
were gone, they then broke the windows and abused the 
house, &c. * * 

September Sth, * * Past eleven went to the Committee at 
[the] Coffee House ; stayed till one. It appeared there in 
conversation, that Samuel Rhoads, mayor, had on the sixth 

instant, called upon Major Bayard and Captain , to 

order out their battalion, in order to disperse the people as- 
sembled at the Coffee House on the said day,* &c. &c. 

9th, * * This being the day appointed by the 
Congress for the shipping to depart this port, it's been a 
busy time with many of the merchants to complete their" 
loading, but with their steady application and industry, they 
have complied with it, and it's computed that about forty 
sail went down with this evening's ebb. 

1 Sth. After my wife came from Market (she went 
past 5,) she ordered her girl. Poll, to carry the basket with 

* See entry of October 3d. 



48 Marshall's 1775.] 

some necessaries to the place, as she was coming after her, 
they intending to iron the clothes. Poll accordingly went, 
set down the basket, came back, went and dressed . herself 
all clean, short calico gown, &c., said she was going to 
school, but presently after, the negro woman, Dinah, came 
to look for her, her mistress having mistrusted she had a 
mind to play truant. This was about nine ; but madam took 
her walk, but where, she is not come back to tell. 

September I6th. I arose before six, as I was much 
concerned to see my wife so afflicted on the bad conduct, as 
before, of her girl. Poll, who is not yet returned, but is 
skulking and running about town. This, I understand, was 
the practice of her mother, who, for many years before her 
death, was a constant plague to my wife, [and] who left her 
this girl as a legacy, and who, by report, as well as by my 
own knowledge for almost three years, has been always so, 
down to this time. * * * About eight, word was brought 
that Poll was just taken by sister Lynn, near the market, 
and brought to their house. A messenger was immediately 
despatched for [her,] as she could not be found before, 
although a number of times they had been hunting her. 
Brought home, I suppose, about ten. * * 

18^/i. * * As I went down town, called at [the] 
Coffee House, an express being arrived from Ticonderoga. 
* * * Thence to my sons', and spent some time with 
Samuel and John Adams ; from there, 1 called at Christo- 
pher Gadsden's lodgings, spent some little time with him ; 
from there to the place and drank balm tea with my wife. 
Came home about dark, and spent the evening there. * * 

I9th. * * Some of our militia, in number , 

with wagons, money, and coarse clothing, set out for 

the camp, near Boston, commanded by Major Cooks and 



1775.] REMEMBRANCER. 49 

Capt. Cowperthwaite. * * * At two, I went to [the] manufac- 
tory by invitation, to consult with some of the managers re- 
specting the employment of three, (it's said) complete spin- 
ners on the machine and cotton weavers, &c. &c. * * 

September 20th, * * Past three went to the place, 
where Samuel Adams, Governor Ward, John Adams and 
Christopher Gadsden and son came, drank coffee, and spent 
the afternoon in free conversation. * * 

21s/. * * Went to the manufactory, where was 
a full board of managers. Business went on with temper and 
good humour, as Mr. Tillbury was absent. * * 

2oth. * * Past ten, went to meet [the] sub-com- 
mittee at [the] Coffee House, where fifteen of the vendue 
masters attended, and were qualified agreeably to the resolve 
made by [the] Committee. * * 

27th. * * Past eleven, went to [the] Committee 
Room, at [the] Coffee House; from there, went with last 
night's resolves to the Congress at the State House, in 
company with John Benezet. * * 

2Sth» * * About one, went down to [the] wharf 
to see the gondolas sail by, the delegates being aboard, with 
a great number of others. Two of them, about Masters' 
wharf, each carried away a mast. * * 

October 1st, * * From New York, of Sept. 28th, 
" There is a report in town that two thousand Canadians 
have posted themselves between St. John's and Montreal, 
to cut off the communication between the town and Carlton's 
garrison." * * 

2d, * * After breakfast, went to [the] State 
House. Election began past ten. * * 

3c?. * * Yesterday were chosen the following 
persons. Representatives for this county, Joseph Parker, 



50 MARSHALL'S [1775. 

3077 votes ; John Dickinson, 3122 5 Michael Hillegas, 3111; 
George Gray, 3107; Thomas Potts, 3103; Samuel Mills, 
3098 ; Robert Morris, 1882 ; Jonathan Roberts, 1700. She- 
riffs, William Dewees, 2985; John Bull, 1602. Coroners, 
Robert Jewell, 2213 ; William Moulder, 1602. Past three, 
I went to [the] State House. Election for two burgesses 
then- about was begun. I stayed there till near five. * * * 
N. B. Samuel Powell was elected Mayor this day in the 
room of Samuel Rhoads. 

October 4th. Yesterday were elected Burgesses for this 
City, Benjamin Franklin, 775 votes ; Thomas Mifflin, 724 
votes. * * * This afternoon, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas 
Lynch and Benjamin Harrison, three of the delegates, set 
out for Boston, being appointed to the service of consulting 
and advising with the gentlemen in the Provincial army. * * 
This day arrived, Ship Aurora, Capt. Reed, from London, 
as did the Ship Clementine, Capt. Brown, from Scotland, 
and Ship King of Prussia, Capt. Potts, from Rotterdam. 
The two last with passengers. 

6th. * * About six, was called to [the] Com- 
mittee Room, where were twenty-nine members, some of 
whom by information had been down to Chester after some 
letters which they were informed were going to England, 
in the possession of Christopher Carter, who had been part- 
ner with — — Spikeman, in Market Street, which said 
person they found, and then recovered [the letters] by 
threats of detaining and bringing him up to town, and after 
recovering said letters, in two parcels, one of them directed 
to Thomas Corbyn, and the other to Mrs. McCalla, and 
taking his qualification to the whole of them, and of whom 
and by whom he received them, they then discharged 
him, and brought the letters, which were now read, and 



1775.] REMEMBRANCER. 51 

as they appeared to be base and cruel invectives against 
the liberties of America, and calculated by wicked men to 
inflame the minds of the people in England against the Co- 
lonies in general, it was directed that three of the authors 
be immediately taken into custody, which was immediately 
put into practice by securing Dr. Kearsley, James Brooks, 
and Leonard Snow den, (a Quaker) brewer in Pemberton 
Street, and they were confined under a guard in the State 
House until next morning. A seal was also put on the 
Doctor's desk, and a guard placed at his house. All this 
done by eleven o'clock. N. B. James Brooks was taken 
up at the Doctor's, and Snowden at the Doctor's street 
door. 

October 1th. * * Notices called the Committee to 
meet at ten. According I went and met them, there being 
about seventy members. After some time being met, report 
was made that there was reason to apprehend that there was 
a great number of inimical letters on board the snow Patty, 
bound to London, upon which a sub-committee was sent 
down in a pilot boat to examine and bring them all up that 
were suspected, and also all persons on board that were sus- 
pected. This being done, a resolve was brought in by three 
of the Committee of Safety from the Congress, dated the 
sixth instant, ordering that all suspected persons that were 
found to act inimical to the rights and liberties of America 
that fell under our discussing and notice, should by us be de- 
livered over for trial of their offences to the Committee of 
Safety, they only being invested with that power and not 
we — we having no right to hear or determine any case of 
that kind. 

This produced a warm debate for some time, and, at 
length, upon motion seconded, whether the present papers, 



52 Marshall's 1775.] 

relating to Kearsley, Brooks, Snowden and Ordale, (Mi- 
nister of Burlington in the Jerseys) should, by a Committee 
appointed, be carried to the Committee of Safety for their 
sole judgment and determination, the same motion was car- 
ried by a majority of the whole, except one and myself. 
Past two, the Committee broke up. * * 

October Sth. * * About two, was brought to 
town, Christopher Carter with a number of letters from on 
board the brig Black Prince. He was put into prison, where 
the three before mentioned* were sent by the Committee of 
Safety, last night, till further examination. * * 

9th. * * Went at ten o'clock to the Committee 
at the Philosophical ; stayed till twelve, in which meeting, 
fifteen members were chosen to assist the Committee of 
Safety in the trials of Dr. Kearsley, Leonard Snowden, J. 
Brooks, [and] Christopher Carter, whose trials then came 
on before the Committee of Safety and those fifteen mem- 
bers, at the Lodge Room, and continued till just dark before 
finished. * * * N. B. The four persons before men- 
tioned were conveyed from prison and back there again by 
a guard of associators, not less than fifty, with drums, fifes, 

lOth, * * Dr. Young called at my house, re- 
questing me to endeavour to collect a small supply for Mrs. 
Cleamuns, a woman driven from Boston with several chil- 
dren, whom they purposed to send and settle for the pre- 
sent amongst a set of his friends near Albany, if a small con- 
tribution could be made here for her, so as to convey her 
there, and to help her a little at first settling down. I ac- 
cordingly set out and waited upon some who threw in their 
mites. * * 

♦ Kearsley, Brooks, and Snowden. 



1775.] REMEMBRANCER. 53 

October Wth. * * Past ten, I went out collecting for 
Mrs. Cleamuns, and collected, yesterday and to day, with 
my own mite, the sum of ^3 25. 6c?. which I paid unto her- 
self. * * * Ship , Capt. Robison, arrived from Lon- 
don, brought account that Richard Penn was arrived at 
London, who carried the Congress's petition to the King, 
but that it was not delivered when he sailed, but was to be 
in a few days after. 

I'Hth. * * At six went to the manufactory ; 
stayed there till near nine. We were pleasant and agree- 
able, as sundry humoursome spirits were present. * * * 
For sundry pieces of news, see Evening Post, Numb. 
113. * * 

\Uh. * * Took a walk down town and spent 
some time, viewing two of the gondolas. * * * We have 
had many fears for a day or two past, respecting a piece of 
news from Boston, how that on the fourth instant, had sailed 
from there, a fleet, consisting of one sixty-four, and one 
twenty-gun ship, two sloops of eighteen guns, and two 
transports, with six hundred men — their destination a pro- 
found secret, but that they had taken on board two mortars 
and four howitzers, with other artillery fitting for bombard- 
ment of a town. This, we thought, might be to visit us. 

11 th. * * Near six, went to [the] Commttee 
Room (Society Hall) ; came away past nine. In that time 
a petition from the privates, requesting this Committee's as- 
sistance respecting the General Association recommended 
by the last Assembly and adopted by the Congress. Upon 
motion, a Committee of nine were appointed to meet to- 
morrow, consider and prepare a draught by way of petition 
to the Assembly, now sitting, to enfore that resolve, but first 
to present it to this Committee, who are to meet the nine- 

E 2 



84 MARSHALL'S [1775. 

teenth, at this room, to consider the contents. At said time, 
a motion that a petition be also presented to the Assembly, 
praying them to take the saltpetre works into their care. 
The same was then written, read and approved of, signed by 
George Olymer, Chairman, and delivered to Joseph Parker, 
to present to-morrow. 

October \%th. * * Near twelve, went to the Com- 
mittee Room, at the Coffee House, being on the committee 
for settling the conditions of security for vessels taking pro- 
vjsiojis from one colony to another. * * 

19//i. * * Near six, I went to [the] Committee 
Rooni at [the] Society's Hall, where news was brought by 

"West, of the Jerseys, that a Transport ship was 

stranded at Brigantine Beach, near Egg Harbour, that some 
of the men had come on shore, said she was from Boston, 
and that, on her stranding, they had thrown all her gun- 
powder and small arms overboard. Now as this account 
was imperfect, the committee proposed sending an express 
directly, but Major Cox and Captain Ash proposing to go, 
if agreeable, their proposal was readily accepted of, and al- 
though it rained hard, and [was] very dark, yet they in- 
tended to set off immediately, in order to send back a true 
account, and if needful, to stay and assist that part of the 
country. * * 

20/A. * * James Cannon visited me this morn- 
ing, respecting a petition the Committee of privates intended 
to send to the Assembly. I gave as my judgment that no 
time should be lost, as I was apprehensive that the Assembly 
might soon adjourn, in order to prevent any application to 
them respecting a General Militia Law. * * 

2^th. * * Near six this morning, Dr. Kearsley 
ajad James Brooks, under a guard of eight of the Light 



1775.] REMEMBRANCER. 55 

Horse, left this City for the different jails allotted them in 
this Province. * * * To Ashton's Ferry, as fifteen, called 
recruits of Gage's army, that were on board the ship stranded 
in the Jerseys were brought, under an escort of the Jersey 
militia, and delivered to ours here, who took them to our 
prison. * * * Past two, went and met part of [the] Com- 
mittee at [the] Coffee House ; from there went in a body to 
Carpenters' Hall, in order to attend the funeral of Peyton 
Randolph (who had departed suddenly, after dinner, last 
First Day, at the country house of Richard Hills); then 
proceeded to Christs' Church, where a sermon was preached 
by Jacob Duche ; then to Church Burial Ground. * * 

October 25th, * * At three, went to [the] Commit- 
tee at Society Hall, being on the appointment of twelve mem- 
bers, to hear and examine Captain Hastings, and the mate 
of the ship Rachael and Francis, which was stranded at 
Brigantine Beach on her voyage from Boston to New York, 
respecting her cargo. * * 

28th. * * About three, went down town ; called 
at John Lynn's ; from there to Benja. Marshall's stayed till 
near six in company with John Hancock and lady, Samuel 
and John Adams, [Thomas] Cushing, [Eliphalet] Dyer, 
Treat Paine, [John] Langdon, Silas Deane, and another de- 
legate not known to me ; drank coffee there ; from thence, 
through the rain to the manufactory, by appointment, to 
consider a memorial to present to the Assembly. * * 

29th. * * Near six in the evening, went to meet 
the Committee at the Philosophical Hall, being called to at- 
tend by ticket from the Chairman, in order to consider a 
" Memorial presented by the People called Quakers" on the 
twenty-seventh instant, to the Assembly now sitting. This 
Committee accordingly met (present seventy-two members) 



56 Marshall's [1775, 

and, without one dissenting member, agreed that the said 
Memorial should be counteracted. Agreeably thereto, a 
Committee of seven members, to wit, McKean, Clymer, 
Smith, Jones, Delany, Wilcox, and Matlack, were appointed 
to prepare a draught for that purpose, to be brought to this 
Committee to-morrow evening at six o'clock, for their appro- 
bation, in order to be presented to the Assembly the thirty- 
first instant, in the morning. * * 

October 30th, * * At six, went to meet [the] Com- 
mittee at [the] Philosophical Hall, by ticket, where the Re- 
monstrance to the Assembly in opposition to the one pre- 
sented by the Friends, was read and approved of by the 
whole body that was there met, being seventy-four members, 
and we were ordered to meet in a body at this house, and 
so proceed to present it to the Assembly to-morrow morning 
at nine o'clock. * * 

31s^. * * Just before nine, went to meet the 
Committee at the Philosophical Hall. At ten, went, two by 
two, being sixty-six in number, to the State House. Our 
chairman, George Clymer, and Mr. McKean presented our 
Petition to the Speaker of the House, who ordered it to be 
read while we were all present, which was done accord- 
ingly. * * 

November 1st, * * Near twelve took a walk to [the] 
Committee Room at [the] Coffee House ; came back near 
one, having come to a resolution by the sub-committee then 
met, to request the Chairman to call the Committee this 
evening, in order to know why the arms ordered to be made 
last June, were not done, nor yet set about, and strictly to 
inquire who is guilty of that omission. * * * Yesterday 
arrived the King's Proclamation, dated London, 33d of Au- 
gust, 1775, wherein he has declared all the Colonies to be 



1775.] REMEMBRANCER. 57 

in open rebellion, and therein includes all his subjects within 
his realm that hold or maintain any correspondence with us 
by any ways. This day, authenticated accounts were 
brought of the burning and destroying of the town of Fal- 
mouth,* consisting of between three and four hundred 
houses, by the man-of-war, which, it's said, fired three thou- 
sand balls into it, which set it a fire. * * 

November 3f/. * * Account just brought by express, 
of the surrender of Fort Chambly to Major Brown, on the 
Fourteenth of October, in which was a great quantity of 
ammunition, provisions, warlike stores, &c., with the co- 
lours of the Seventh Regiment or Royal Scotch Fusileers, 
which were brought to the Congress. * * 

Qth. * * Near five, son Benjamin accompanied 
me to Col. Hancock's lodgings, in order to see the ensigns 
or colours taken at Fort Chambly ; found him and his lady 
at home ; spent an hour or two with him very agreeably, * * 

nth. * * Came back at one. News just brought, 
by the way of Fairfield, of the taking of St. John's Fort by 
storm, with the loss of two hundred Provincials. * * 

13^/i * * This morning, set out from this city 
for Canada, Robert Treat Paine, Thomas Lynch [and] 
Philip Livingston. * * 

\^th. * * Yesterday [an] express arrived, with 
the account of the surrender of the Fort of St. John's, on 
the Third instant. * * 

17/A. * * Account just brought of four vessels' 
being just taken by our friends at the eastward; one ship 
loaded with wood and hay, two with live stock, viz., cattle, 
sheep, hogs, geese, turkeys, ducks, &c., and some hay. 

* Now Portland, Maine. 



58 MARSHALL'S [1775. 

One was a brig stranded, out of which were taken to the 
camp, one hundred and eighteen pipes of Madeira wine. 
It's said that this belonged to Philadelphia. * * 

November 2lst. * * In company with Sampson Levy, 
Thomas Combs, and my son Benjamin, we viewed the in- 
side of the new prison* ; thence into Chesnut Street, to view 
the arrival of Lady Washington, who was on her journey to 
Cambridge, to her husband. She was escorted into the City 
from Schuylkill Ferry, by the Colonel and other officers, 
and light infantry of the Second Battalion, and the company 
of Light Horse, &c. 

24th. * * After dinner, as I had heard some 
threats thrown out, that if the ball assembled this night, as 
it was proposed, they presumed that the New Tavern would 
cut but a poor figure to-morrow morning, these fears of some 
commotion's being made that would be very disagreeable at 
this melancholy time, in disturbing the peace of the City, I 
concluded, if possible, to prevent, in order to which, I went 
to Col. Hancock's lodgings, and finding he was not come 
from Congress, and the time grew short, being three o'clock, 
I walked up to the State House, in expectation of meeting 
him. That failing, I requested the door-keeper to call 
Samuel Adams, which he accordingly did, and he came. 
I then informed him of the account received of a ball, that 
was to be held this evening, and where, and that Mrs. Wash- 
ington and Col. Hancock's wife were to be present, and as 
such meetings appeared to be contrary to the Eighth Re- 
solve of Congress, I therefore requested he would give my 
respects to Col. Hancock, desire him to wait on Lady Wash- 
ington to request her not to attend or go this evening. This 

♦ Corner of Walnut and Sixth Streets. 



1775.] REMEMBRANCER. 59 

he promised. Thence I went and met the Committee at 
the Philosophical Hall, which was large and respectable, 
being called together for this only purpose to consider the 
propriety of this meeting or ball's being held this evening in 
this city, at the New Tavern, where, after due and mature 
consideration, it was then concluded, there being but one 
dissenting voice, (Sharp Delany,) that there should be no 
such meeting held, not only this evening, but in future, 
while these troublesome times continued, and a Committee 
was appointed, immediately to go to inform the directors of 
this meeting, not to proceed any further in this affair, and 
also to wait upon Lady Washington, expressing this Com- 
mittee's great regard and affection to her, requesting her to 
accept of their grateful acknowledgment and respect, due to 
her on account of her near connexion with our worthy and 
brave General, now exposed in the field of battle in defence 
of our rights and liberties, and request and desire her not to 
gi-ace that company, to which, we are informed, she has an 
invitation this evening, &c. &:c. Came home near six. 
After I drank coffee, I went down to Samuel Adams's lodg- 
ings, where was Col. Dyer. Spent some time pleasantly, 
until Col. Harrison came to rebuke Samuel Adams for using 
his influence for the stopping of this entertainment, which 
he declared was legal, just and laudable. Many arguments 
were used by all present to convince him of the impropriety 
at this time, but all to no effect; so, as he came out of hu- 
mour, he so returned, to appearance. * * 

November 25th. * * At half past eleven, went to the 
Committee Room at the Coffee House; came away near 
two. At this time, Major Bayard, one of the four gentle- 
men appointed to wait on Lady Washington, reported that 
they had acted agreeably to directions, that the lady received 



60 Marshall's [1775. 

them with great politeness, thanked the Committee for their 
kind care and regard in giving such timely notice, requesting 
her best compliments to be returned to them for their care 
and regard, and to assure them that their sentiments on this 
occasion, were perfectly agreeable unto her own. * * 

November 27th, * * About ten, Lady Washington, 
attended by the troop of horse, two companies of light in- 
fantry, &c. &c., left this City, on her journey to the camp, 
at Cambridge. * * 

30^^, * * Near nine, called by invitation at 
Paul Fooks's, he having illuminated for the taking of Mont- 
real. * * 

December lOth. * * As to public occurrences, I refer 
to the weekly papers which I take, and [as] to what passes 
worthy of notice in sub-committee, the minutes of that board 
will relate, as will the minutes of the General Committee, 
and the minutes of the American Manufactory, to which re- 
cords I refer the inquisitive. I acknowledge now, the re- 
ceiving, a few days past, sundry presents from my friend 
Paul Fooks, viz., a neat window-blind for my library room, 
two quarts of old French brandy, and a plate of choice red 
herrings. * * 

2lst, * * Within a few days past, arrived several 

small cargoes of gunpowder, Capt, , fifteen hundred 

weight; Captain Walter Stevens, six hundred and eighty 
pounds, forty-nine muskets, thirteen silver handled hangers; 
two schooners, Rebecca, Captain Farey, the Ranger, Capt. 
Cruse, both from Eustatia, twenty-three hundred pounds of 
powder in fourteen half barrels, and sixty-six quarter bar- 
rels, twenty-four neat swivel guns, and one hogshead of dif- 
ferent sized pistols. * * * Near four, went to meet some 
of [the] Committee members at Major Morgan's, in order 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 61 

to see to settle the price for some powder, and the twenty- 
four swivel guns. * * 

December 236?. * * Lent Dr. Young an octavo vo- 
lume, Salmon's Collection and Paraphrases on the Works 
of the Philosophers, Geber and Hermas, No. 97. * * 

2Qth. * * For public news, see Dunlap's Gene- 
ral Advertiser, Numb. 218. * * 

2^th. * * After dinner, (half after one) went to 
the Carpenters' Hall to meet as many of the subscribers to 
the American Manufactory of Wool, Cotton, Flax, &;c. , as 
were pleased to attend, in order to settle sundry affairs re- 
lating to the said company. Came away from there about 
six. 

30^A. * '-^ For public occurrences, see Pennsyl- 
vania Ledger, Numb. 49. 

31s/. * * Sundry pieces of news last night in 
the Evening Post, Numb. 147. * * 

1776. 

January 3<?. * * News brought to day of a skirmish 
between the Pennsylvanians and the Connecticut people* 
in which Jssse Lukens was killed. * * 

Qth. * * At four, went to meet [the] Committee 
at [the] Philosophical Hall (per notice sent.) The busi- 
ness was to enquire respecting the conduct of Parson Smith 
and Tench Francis, they having, as reported, spoken and 
acted very disrespectfully of the Congress and all our pro- 
ceedings. John Mease, who was [present] and had given 
notice of said Smith's conduct, being called upon, used such 
equivocal and unmeaning expressions, beneath the dignity of 

* In the Wyoming country, then claimed by both provinces. 

F 



62 Marshall's [1776 

a member of society, much less a member of this Committee 
and of Safety, in order to exculpate the said Smith, that no 
hold could, at present, be taken of him. The other was put 
off till next Third [day] evening, and six members appointed 
to make enquiry respecting his and other persons' proceed- 
ings in the prosecuting of the contest at Wyoming. * * 
News brought this evening of three tons of gunpowder 
arrived at Egg Harbour or Cape May, thirty-nine tons near 
the camp, and six tons at New York. 

January 1th. * * It's said, an express arrived from 
Rhode Island on the Fifth instant to the Monthly Meeting of 
Friends in this City, the contents of which has induced their 
members to sit pretty constant for these two days past. 
What they may hatch or bring forth, Time will make mani- 
fest. By yesterday's post, [a] letter from [the] camp before 
Quebec, dated [the] sixth of last month, gives an account that 
Gen. Montgomery had joined Col. Arnold, with some artil- 
lery and about three thousand men ; that our men were in 
high spirits, and were now well clothed with the regimentals 
destined for the seventh and twenty-sixth regiments, which 
were taken at Fort St. John's ; that they were making pre- 
parations to attack the enemy, who are in close garrison, but, 
it's thought, could not hold out long, as ihey intended, after 
they had summoned them to surrender and they refused, 
immediately to endeavour to take it by a general storm. See 
Evening Post, Numb. 150. * * 

8i/i. * * This morning arrived, via, New York, 
the King's Speech to both houses of Parliament, 27th of 
October, 1775 ; also, account of three hundred large bar- 
rels of gunpowder landed not far from New York to the 
Eastward. * * * This afternoon, news came of the 
Schooner, Charming Polly's arrival at Chester, with sixty 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 63 

tons of saltpetre and Sloop Trial with one thousand pounds 
of powder. 

January 9th. * * At breakfast, I was visited by Paul 
Fooks' housekeeper, who informed that their boy, Neal, 
had heard his sister Rosanna Thompson, who lived at 
[Richard] Bache's, [say] that James Brattle, servant man to 
James Duane, one of [the New] York delegates, was em- 
ployed by Governor Tryon, to collect and send him all the 
news he could find, on board the Asia, for which he should 
be well rewarded and also be preferred to some post, in con- 
sequence of which, he had written to him, and in particular 
the day our fleet sailed with their number, &c. On this 
information, I called upon some of our Committee at [the] 
Coffee House. .Toseph Dean went with me, but could gain 
nothing. We returned. Then John Bayard went with me 
to Joseph Reed's : he not at home ; thence to see him at 
[the] Committee of Safety ; not there ; thence to [the] Court 
House ; found him. After taking his advice, went to Hall's* 
Printing Office ; took [Richard] Bache home with us ; called 
his maid ; examined her. She seemed confounded, but, on 
the whole, denied it. From thence to [the] Coffee House, 
where consulting Major Cox, he joined us two. We went 
to [the] State House ; called out Mr. Duane ; informed 
him ; he seemed confounded ; requested us to attend him to 
his house. We did. He called his man, examined him, 
took him up stairs and made search, all to no purpose. We 
then went, took him with us to Paul Fooks' ; examined the 
boy who persisted. We brought the boy back to the 
Duanes' lodgings ; sent for the young woman, who, upon 

♦ Hall was first the partner, afterwards the successor of Franklin, in 
the printing business. 



64 Marshall's [1776. 

seeing her brother, confessed that what he had said was true. 
James was called and interrogated, but all to no purpose. 
Then Major Cox and Mr. Duane took him up stairs again, 
and while they were employed in that business, he slipped 
down stairs, out through the yard, and [they] have seen no 
more of him. Major Bayard and myself waited for them in 
the parlour. Thus he escaped. 

January ISth. * * Went to Bell's ; bought a pam- 
phlet called Common Sense. * * 

15/A. * * By the New York Post, which ar- 
rived Seventh Day night, at nine o'clock, account that 
Admiral Shuldam was arrived, and five hundred fresh troops 
at Boston, from Ireland. The regiments were the fifty-fifth 
and seventeenth ; that two regiments had gone to Halifax, 
and two had pushed into the River St. Lawrence to try for 
Quebec. An account, by a deserter from Boston, on the 
Third instant, was that a fleet consisting of nine transports, 
with three hundred and sixty men, was ready to sail under 
convoy of the Scarborough and Fowey men of war, with 
two bomb vessels and some flat bottomed boats, said to be 
for Newport, Long Island, or Virginia ; and that five thou- 
sand militia had joined General Washington, and taken the 
places of those soldiers who would not stay beyond their 
time of service ; that they were good troops, and the whole 
army impatient for an opportunity of action. * * 

I7th. * * Near seven, Christopher Gadsden, 
and son came to take their leave, they being to embark 
for South Carolina to-monow. * * 

18^A. * * Yesterday arrived an account of our 
forces' attempting to take Quebec, but repulsed with the 
loss of Gen. Montgomery, and some more officers of note, 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 65 

upon which the Provincial troops were immediately drawn 
off, but as the accounts at present remain uncertain as to the 
particulars, we are impatiently waiting for substantial 
accounts from that quarter. 

January 20th. * * In the evening, met a few friends 
of America at Fountain Tavern, in Chestnut Street, in order 
to consult and consider of proper persons to be elected Com- 
mittee men at the next election in this City for that purpose, 
as the time of this Committee expires the Sixteenth of next 
month. From there, I visited some of the delegates, with 
Silas Deane, Col. Floyer, and the two new ones from Con- 
necticut. * * 

22(1. * * About nine, I went to meet [the] Com- 
mittee at [the] Philosophical Hall, by summons, in order to 
answer the request of Congress, which was to make applica- 
tion to the inhabitants of this City and Liberties, for a num- 
ber of blankets to enable the battalions who are under orders 
to march for Canada, as none were to be purchased in the 
stores. This request was immediately complied with, and 
the members formed themselves into companies accordingly 
and set out on the business. * * 

2S(L * * Cold morning. Snow fell in the 
night. Went past eleven to [the] Committee Room ; came 
home before one ; took a walk to the barracks, as Capt. 
Dorsey's company marched out of town with their baggage 
this forenoon. * * * Near six, went to [the] Committee 
Room at [the] Philosophical Hall. Came away about nine. 
It was there concluded to break the lock that Fisher and 
Sons had put upon their store door, take out their goods and 
sell them to-morrow at public vendue, the which I would 
have the Committee of Safety do, but it was overruled. * * 

f2 



66 Marshall's [1776. 

January 24:th. * * After dinner took a walk down 
town to see our floating battery, man-of-war, &c. ; came 
home ; then went to John Bayard's vendue. * * 

25th. * * Past nine, went to [the] Committee 
Room, at [the] Philosophical Hall, by notices, in order to 
consider of ways and means to provide arms for some of the 
marching companies for Quebec. * * 

2Qth. * * Went to [the] Committee Room at 
[the] Philosophical Hall, by call per ticket; left it at twelve, 
it being to consult who should be nominated as Burgess, 
in the room of Thomas Mifflin, at camp. Two were pro- 
posed, viz., Joseph Reed and George Clymer, but the first 

was, by vote, carried to be put. * * * At , went to 

the State House with my ticket. 

27th. * * Joseph Reed, our Chairman, [was] 
elected yesterday one of our Burgesses, in the room of 
Thomas Mifflin, resigned. 

28^/i. * * Notwithstanding the severe cold 
weather for some days past, yet several companies of our 
First Battalion have marched from town for Canada. By 
the Post, last evening, we learn that two large transports^ 
laden with provisions and ammunition, bound for Boston 
from England, are taken and carried into Newburyport. 

30/^. * -•* After five, went to the Committee 
Room, Philosophical Hall; came away past nine. * * * 
At this meeting, complaint was made against John Drinker, 
hatter, for refusing taking Continental money, who, being 
sent for, acknowledged he did, and that in point of con- 
science, he refused it, upon which he was to be censured 
agreeably to the resolve of Congress published [January 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 67 

11th, 1776,] but to be referred for one week, in order for 
him to consider well of it.* 

January ^\st. * * Near six, went to [the] Committee 
Room at [the] Philosophical Hall, being called by ticket. 

At this meeting, Thomas and Fisher were sent for, 

upon a complaint of their refusing the Continental Money, 
to which complaint they made no objection, by acknow- 
ledging the complaint to be just and true, and said that from 
conscience's sake, they could not take it in future ; upon 
which they were ordered to be censured in the public papers 
next week. 

February 2d. * * After dinner, spent some time writ- 
ing something by way of Address to the Congress, to be 
laid before the sub-committee, this evening, for approbation, 
at the Coffee House Room. * * * Went and spent till 
near nine in conversation with Samuel Adams. * * 

3d, * * Ateleven, went to Thomas Lawrence's; 
signed the Remonstrance, to have it presented to Congress, 
but as they had adjourned to Monday, it was referred to be 
presented then. This, morning, Capt. Mason arrived in 
town, having left his brig, loaded with arms, ammunition 
[and] saltpetre, off the Cape. 

6th. * * News brought of General Clinton's 
arrival at Governor's Island, near New York, with six hun- 
dred men and two men-of-war, and also of General Lee at 
New York, with fifteen hundred men. * * 

♦ Congress ordained that persons refusing to receive the Continental 
Bills of Credit, or who should obstruct and discourage the currency and 
circulation thereof, should^ on conviction, be deemed, published and 
treated as enemies of the country, and be precluded from all trade or in- 
tercourse with the inhabitants of the Colonies^ 



68 Marshall's [1776. 

February ISth. * * After dinner, I went to the State 
House Yard to see the volunteers for New York turn out 
of each of the four battalions of the Associators. * * 

loth. * * This afternoon, came account of Gen. 
Clinton with the transports' sailing from New York and the 
Narrows. This prevented our Battalion of Volunteers from 
going hence to New York. 

1 Qth. * * Past six, went to [the] State House ; 
gave my vote for Committee men. * * 

I9th. * * Near ten, went to [the] Philosophical 
[Hall] ; met the Committee ; went from there to [the] 
State House. Past eleven, joined and went in procession 
with Congress, Assembly, Committee of Safety, Corpora- 
tion, &c., to the Calvinist Church in Race Street, where a 
funeral sermon was delivered by Dr. Smith, on the death of 
Gen. Montgomery. * * 

22d. * * Paid 3d. poor tax for the Northern 
Liberties. "^ * 

2Sd. * * Past one, went to son Charles's and 
dined with Governors Hopkins and Ward, Silas Deane^ Col. 
Lewis, Mr. Brown, Badcock, Paul Fooks, and a stranger. 
After dinner, spent the afternoon in conversation; drank 
coffee there ; I then went to Col. Hancock's lodgings ; 
stayed some time with him and his spouse. I then went and 
met the Managers of the Prison Society* at Armitage's; 
came away past nine. 

26th. * * Half past eight, went to [the] Coffee 
House by appointment from [the] General Committee ; met 
Hoar, Mead, and Matlack; after agreeing upon [a] Memo- 
rial to Congress, went with [it] to James Searle's, he being 

* The Society for alleviating the miseries of prisoners. 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 69 

one appointed ; found him at home poorly. After all sign- 
ing the Remonstrance, the three before mentioned and ray- 
self waited upon Col. Hancock and delivered it to him, to 
present to Congress. * * * Took a walk to see the bat- 
talions. * * * Past seven, went to Samuel and John 
Adams' lodgings ; stayed till past nine. * * 

February 2Sth, * * Went to [the] Committee Room 
at [the] Philosophical Hall and met Committee, by ticket, 
in order to procure a Convention to be called, the which, 
after some debates, was agreed to, but the mode of doing it 
was referred to a meeting to be called to-morrow even- 
ing. ^ * 

29th. * * At past five, went to the Committee 
Room, Philosophical Hall ; came away past eight; at which 
the time for the Convention's being called was concluded, 
viz., the Second of April next, to meet in this City. 

March 2d. * * To [the] State House, they being 
choosing a Burgess in the room of B. Franklin.* * * 

4th. * * Spent the afternoon at home, chiefly 
writing till five o'clock, when [I] went to meet [the] Com- 
mittee at [the] Philosophical Hall, (called by notices) in 
order to take into consideration the Report of the Committee 
of Correspondence respecting the propriety of suspending the 
calling of the Provincial Convention for a few days in order 
to see the event of sundry petitions now before the House 
of Assembly. Accordingly, the suspension was agreed 
to. * * 

5th. * * My wife rose early in order to attend her 
servants at the place. Fine pleasant morning, but gloomy 
wind, southwardly. Breakfasted alone. Visited by William 

♦ David Rittenhouse was elected. 



70 Marshall's 1776.] 

Clifton and William Bradford; invited to attend the sub- 
committee at ten this forenooii, at [the] Coffee House, in 
order to consider of the powder, saltpetre and arras brought 
yesterday in brig Hannah, Capt. James Neale, from Hol- 
land. * * 

March Qth. * * Near seven, went to the Committee 
Room, called by ticket to consider means to prevent the 
high prices of sundry kinds of goods, viz., Rum, Sugar, 
Molasses, Coffee, Pepper, Salt, Cocoa, Chocolate, &c. 
Came home past ten, after passing sundry resolves. 

dth. * * After five, went to [the] Coffee House ; 

stayed there till after the fight of Carson and Price in 

the street, first with sticks, then with fists, but parted. 
Past seven, the fire-flat was set fire to, which answered the 
purpose to admiration of the persons present, which were a 
great number collected on that occasion before the Coffee 
House and down to the wharf. From thence went to the 
Committee Room at Philosophical Hall, called by notices 
to consult and consider the most expeditious way to collect 
hard money to send to Canada. The Committee, taking 
it into consideration, concluded to meet in each several dis- 
trict next Second Day at nine, and there appoint sub-com- 
mittees to go through the City and try what sum they can 
exchange Continental money for into gold and silver for that 
service. From there, walked down Market Street to Front, 
and found the raft still burning. It was said it burned till 
one in the morning. * * * This afternoon came to town, 
the Prussian General, as he is called, from the camp. 

13M. * * After dinner, went to Dr. Young's. 
Stayed there hearing him read a piece as answer to Common 
Sense, called Plain Truth, but very far from coming up to 
Ihe title, * * * Examined Cassandra's answer to Cato's 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 71 

two letters in Hall and Sellers's Gazette this week, No. 
2464.^ 

March Ut/i. * * Paid Bright, 3s. lOd. 

for lamp and watch tax. Past five, went to James Can- 
non's. Drank coffee there with Timothy Matlack ; stayed 
in conversation till near seven. (Dr. Smith said these 
words in the presence of James Davidson, Timothy Matlack 
and James Cannon — That Great Britain would mortgage 
America for as much money as would enable her to conquer 

ii.) 

I7th. * * For sundry pieces of material news, 
see Evening Post, No. 180. * * 

ISth. * * After dinner, went down to Samuel 
and John Adanio's lodgings ; not at home ; I left there with 
the maid the works of George Stonehouse, neatly bound and 
lettered, viz.. Universal Restitution, Scripture Doctrine, &c. 
Universal Restitution further defended, &c., Christ's Temp- 
tations Real Facts, &c., as a present. From there I went 
and visited Governor Ward, in the smsfft pox. * * * Near 
seven, went by appointment to meet eleven of the sub-com- 
mittee, who with me had before valued, at Jacob Winey's 
six hundred and ninety-four guns, bayonets, gunpowder, &c., 
the which said Winey now objected to, when after hearing 
his objections, we confirmed our former setdement, to wit, 
that the Committee of Secrecy pay the sum of ^63 155. per 
piece, when they are put in proper order by the Commis- 
sary, and buy the cannon powder at ^17 10s. per cwt., pro- 
vided upon trial it be good. The charge of repairing was 
what Winey objected to, being d680 5s. 



* The Essays of Cassandra, which, I learn, were highly esteemed, 
were written bv James Cannon. 



72 Marshall's [1776. 

March 20th. * * Went at nine o'clock to meet a 
Committee by appointment, to draw a Remonstrance to the 
Assembly, requesting to rescind their directions to our de- 
legates.* * * * Then went to Paul Fooks's: stayed 
some time there with General Baron De Weldke, the Prus- 
sian. * * * Near seven, went to [the] Committee Room, 
Philosophical Hall, called there by summons; came away 
about nine. At this meeting, Benjamin Sharpless Tanner 
was complained of [for] refusing the Continental Money. 
He was sent for, and acknowledged the charge. He was 
requested to think and give his final answer whether he 
would recant or no, at our next meeting. * * 

23d. * * Down town to see the Province Ship 
launched. * * 

24th. * * For public occurrences, see Evening 
Post, Numb. 183. * * 

26th. * * This morning, about two o'clock, de- 
parted my honoured and worthy friend, Governor Ward, by 
the small pox, whichhe bore with manly and great patience. 
His loss will be deplored by all the true friends of liberty in 
these colonies, who knew his merits. * * * Dined at 
home with Thomas Paine. * * * We hear, that on the 
seventeenth instant, about nine in the forenoon, the Minis- 
terial army evacuated Boston, and that the United Colonies 
are in actual possession of the town, and that they [the 
British] have left effects by their sudden departure to be- 
tween Thirty and Forty Thousand Pounds. 

2'7th. * * At three, went to [the] Committee 
Room at [the] Philosophical, being appointed to meet there 
in order to go in a body to the funeral of Gov. Ward from 

* See postea, note to June 8th. 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 73 

his late lodgings in Lodge Alley. We went there and ac- 
eompanied the corpse to the npw building in Arch Street, 
where an excellent discourse, suitable to the occasion, was 
delivered by Samuel Stileman. After service, the corpse, 
in same procession, was carried to the Baptist Meeting 
House, in which he was interred. 

March 28th, * * News brought of the defeat of the 
Ministerial party in North Carolina. See Pennsylvania 
Journal. 

3l5^ * * A complete relation of the taking pos- 
session of Boston is in the Evening Post, Numb. 186. 

^pril 1st. * * About three, went to James Cannon's. 
Spent good part of this afternoon and evening till eight there, 
in conversation with Thomas Paine, Dr. Young, James 
Wigdon and Timothy Matlack. Came away about eight, 
by the cry of " Fire" ; went home; thence up town where 
the whole malt house, and new front house of Robert Hare 
was in flames. Went with Col. Roberdeau to the powder 
magazine, where a number of us attended with an engine, 
which played upon the magazine and other buildings ad- 
jacent, for fear of sparks. * * 

5th. * * Dined at home with James Cannon. 
We then went to Paine's ; stayed some time ; thence Can- 
non and I went to Dr. Young's ; not at home. We went 
up to Kensington ; found him and several friends there at 
work on board the frigate building by Messrs. Eyre. We 
joined them in assisting what we could till night. Then 
came home. 

6th. * * Near two, set off for Kensington, in order 
to assist with a number of fellow citizens in getting the lower 
deck beams on board the frigate building by Messrs. Eyre. 
I presume there came not short of one hundred, who stayed 

G 



74 Marshall's [1776. 

till they were all put on board, (in which were included 
three parts of the Light Infantry of First Battalion, who 
came in warlike array.) Came away just at dark. ^ * 

Jipril 9th. * * Near seven, went to [the] Committee 
Room at [the] Philosophical Hall ; came away before ten ; 
at which meeting, Townsend Spikeman attending, owned he 
refused and could not take the Contineiital money. He re- 
fusing to appeal, his case was ordered to be published. 

llth. * * Afier dinner, went to Kensington, where 
a number of inhabitants met, in order to assist in getting the 
lower deck beams in the ship that was building for man-of- 
war, by Bruce and Company. * * 

16^^. * * News confirmed of our fleet's arrival at 
New London, and of the arrival of Gen. Washington at New 
York. Some particulars. See in Evening Post, Numb. 193. 
* * ^ Near seven, went to [the] Committee Room at [the] 
Philosophical Hall; came home pa^t ten. Great debate 
about rescinding the prices some time past affixed to sundry 
articles by the Committee. This debate arose from a Re- 
monstrance, now presented by sundry citizens. * * 

ISth. * * Near seven, went to [the] Committee 
Room at [the] Philosophical Hall ; called by summons, 
where the rights and powers of the Committee were discussed 
and proved to be invested in them by the votes of Con- 
gress and the call and nomination of the people at large, and 
that the regulations they had entered into were well founded. 
Yet in order to promote peace and harmony at this time, a 
vote was passed (contrary to mine and many others' present 
approbation) that a Remonstrance be sent to Congress re- 
questing them to explain some former Resolves. A Com- 
mittee was appointed for that purpose, to draught it and 
bring it to the next meeting for approbation. At this meet- 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 75 

ing, after Committee was over, many stayed and appointed 
sixteen members present to confer with the Committee of 
Privates and the Patriotic Society, respecting the candidates 
for Burgesses on the First of May next. Agreed to meet to- 
morrow evening. * * 

April I9th. * ^ Near seven, went to William Thorn's 
school room, Videll's Alley; met a number of persons ap- 
pointed to consult upon persons proper to be returned as 
four Burgesses from this City, on the First of May. Came 
away past nine, having adjourned to seven to-morrow even- 
ing at same place. I was chosen Chairman, J. Cannon, 
Secretary. * * 

20th. * * Went thence to James Cannon's. 
Past seven, went with him to William Thorn's school 
room, as by appointment last night. Came away about 
ten. * * 

21s/. * ^ Many, I understand, were the private 
meetings of those called moderate men (or those who are 
for reconciliation with Great Britain upon the best terms she 
will give us, but by all means to be reconciled to or with 
her,) in order to consult and have such men carried for Bur- 
gesses at the Election (First of May) as will be sure to pro- 
mote, to accept and adopt all such measures. These are the 
schemes that are now ardently pursued by those men. * * 

2Sd, * "^ Near eight, I went with J. B. Smith to 
Col. Hancock's, to deliver a Remonstrance from the Com- 
mittee to Congress (we being appointed for that service), the 
which he received very politely and promised to perform 
and favour us with the result of Congress thereon. * * 

25th. * ^ Went to Jacob Schriner's ; met sundry 
persons there; went thence to the sign of Rotterdam in 
Third Street; stayed till the ticket was settled for Inspectors, 



76 Marshall's [1776. 

and three persons to put into practice the Resolve of 
Assembly for disarming Non-Associators. * * * Thence, 
to meet the Committee at William Thorn's school room, 
where we concluded and fixed the ticket for four Burgesses, 
viz., George Clymer, Col. Roberdeau, Owen Biddle [and] 
Frederick Kuhl, but to be kept a secret from the public till 
after our next meeting on Second Day night, at that place 
[at] seven o'clock. '^ * 

April 27th. * * Past two, went to Kensington, where 
a number of persons, not much short of one hundred and 
fifty, were collected, in order to get the upper deck beams 
into both the frigates building there. The same was com- 
pleted, without any accident's happening, by six in the even- 
ing. I then came away with Frederick Kuhl, James Da- 
vidson and James Cannon, to whose house I went and drank 
coffee. ^ * 

28th. * * After supper, Joseph Lecond and myself 
took a walk down to Plumstead's wharf, in order to see 
what readiness the two ships of war were in, as they were 
under sailing orders, occasioned by an express, arrived about 
three this afternoon, who left Lewistown about six last night, 
sent by land from Henry Fisher, giving an account that the 
man-of-war, the Roebuck, pursuing a vessel, had, that after- 
noon, run ashore on the Brandywine [shoals] and was then, 
to appearance, fast. The vessels were nigh ready, as we 
learned, and would sail in the morning. 

May 1st. * * At nine, A. M., went to William 
Thorn's school room by appointment; from thence to my 
sons' ; thence to [the] Cofiee House and so home ; from 
there down to [the] drawbridge ; thence to the State House ; 
stayed till one ; went in company with Thomas Paine and 
dined at son Christopher's, Went back to the State House; 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 77 

engaged till past five ; then went with James Cannon to his 
house ; drank coffee there ; then we returned to the State 
House ; stayed till eight ; then I came home, eat supper and 
went back. Stayed till past ten, the Sheriff having pro- 
claimed to close the poll in half an hour. This has been 
one of the sharpest contests, yet peaceable, that has been for 
a number of years, except some small disturbance among 
the Dutch, occasioned by some unwarrantable expressions 
of Joseph Swift, viz., that except they were naturalized, they 
had no more right to a vote than a Negro or Indian ; and 
also, past six, the Sheriff without any notice to the public, 
closed the poll and adjourned till nine to-morrow and shut 
the doors. This alarmed the people, who immediately re- 
sented it, flew to the Sheriff and to the doors and obliged 
him again to open the doors and continue the poll till the 
time above prefixed. I think it may be said with propriety 
that the Quakers, Papists, Church, Allen family, with all 
the Proprietory party, were never seemingly so happily 
united as at this election, notwithstanding Friends' former 
protestation and declaration of never joining with that party 
since the club or knock-down Election. (Oh ! tell it not in 
Gath, nor publish it in the streets of Askalon, how the testi- 
mony is trampled upon !) About midnight, casting up the 
poll, it turned out thus, viz., Samuel Howell, 941 ; Andrew 
Allen, 923 ; George Clymer, 923 ; Alexander Wilcox, 921 ; 
Thomas Willing, 911; Frederick Kuhl, 904 ; Owen Biddle, 
903 ; and Daniel Roberdeau, 890.* 



* It thus appears that the Tories and Moderates elected three of their 
candidates, Messrs. Howell, Allen and Wilcox, the Whigs but one, 
Mr. Clymer. 

g2 



78 MARSH AIX*S [1776. 

May 4th, * * Took a walk alone, down to the old 
fort, viewing the preparations making along the bank of our 
river, viz. fire boats, building frigates, cheveaux de frises, 
&c. * * * Post from New York this morning. For news, 
see Evening Post, Numb. 201. This day, were executed 
on our commons, William Bales and James Jones, for street 
robbery, and John Woodward for the murder of his wife. 

5th, ^' * This day arrived the Brig Lexington 

from her cruise of weeks; she having carried away her 

foremast in being chased by two King's ships for eight 
hours, who were convoy to [the] fleet of soldiers (where 
bound was uncertain). Upon this loss, he prudently re- 
turned, passed the man of war at our capes, who fired one 
gun at him, which he returned as he passed her. It^s said 
a French vessel with twenty-four tons of saltpetre [and] 
thirteen tons of powder, from Port Orient, hearing of the 
man of war at our capes, put into Egg Harbour, and is there 
safe secured by our people. * * 

Qth. * * About twelve, alarmed by account of 
the men of war's coming up. Our alarm gun was fired, the 
flag hoisted; sundries much alarmed. * * * News just 
published of forty -five thousand English and Foreign Troops 
expected to be sent into America. 

&th. * * Near two, went to [the] Coftee 
House ; the City alarmed with hearing a great number of 
heavy cannons firing down the river. The drums beat to 
arms, and a number of volunteers went down in boats in 
order assist, as the report was that the Roebuck, of forty, 
and the Liverpool of twenty-eight guns, with tenders, were 
got above New Castle, standing up the river. * * 

9th, * * After dinner, went to [the] Coffee 
House, where various reports were circulated, how that the 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 79 

Roebuck ran aground, &c., that upon the whole, it appeared 
that little damage has been sustained on our side, but as no 
express has arrived this day, we are in suspense. Near 
five, I went and drank coffee at James Cannon's ; after- 
wards he and I took a walk to the State House Yard. 
There, we heard the fight was renewed by the constant dis- 
charge of heavy cannon. * * 

May 10th, * * Various accounts of the affair down 
the river, between the men of war and our gondolas, but 
nothing that's certain, save our men conducted themselves 
valiantly, and obliged the men of war to fall down below 
New Castle, being handled very roughly. 

nth. * * Little further accounts from below, but 
agreed that no person was killed or wounded by the enemy, 
that our officers of six of the gondolas have done their duty 
with credit, both officers and men having distinguished 
themselves nobly and gained great reputation. The others 
not shewing the same bravery and resolution, I hope will be 
enquired strictly into. Great numbers of families have 
moved out of town this last week. 

Idth. * * Then back to James Cannon's. 
Stayed there till past ten, in company with Paul Fooks, 
Thomas Paine, Dr. Rush, Benjamin Harbeson, Timothy 
Matlack, James Cannon, (fee. Appointed to call upon sun- 
dry other persons, to meet to-morrow night, at Barnside's 
school-room at eight, to take into consideration and to con- 
cert a plan necessary to be adopted on the meeting of our As- 
sembly, next Second Day. * * * This afternoon, Col. 
Thomas Mifflin, in company with his wife and attendants, 
arrived in town from New York. 

I4:th, * * Went to James Cannon's ; spent 
some time in [the] College Yard with him and a person 



80 Marshall's [1776. 

from Cumberland county, respecting public affairs. * * * 
At eight, went with Paul Fooks [and] Thomas Paine to 
Burnside's school room. Met several there agreeably to 
appointment. Agreed to draw up [the] heads of a Protest 
to be brought to-morrow night for approbation. * * * This 
day came an account, via New York that '* the Assembly 
of Rhode Island in their May sessions have passed an Act 
absolving the inhabitants of that colony from their allegiance 
to the King of Great Britain." 

May I5th. * * Part of several pieces of the men of 
war, beat off by our gondolas the other day, was brought to 
the Coffee House this day. * * * Past seven, went and 
met a large number of persons at the Philosophical, by ap- 
pointment, (Col. McKean in the chair) where was debated 
the resolve of Congress of the fifteenth instant, respecting 
the taking up and forming new governments in the different 
colonies. Adjourned, past ten, till three to-morrow at said 
place.. * * 

I6//1. * * At ten, went to [the] Committee at 
[the] Philosophical Hall, by appointment, to consider what 
may be necessary respecting the Quakers on the next Fast 
Day. The same was maturely considered, and upon the 
whole, a handbill was ordered to be printed and dispersed, 
as also to be published in the Evening Post, Numb. 206, for 
all people to refrain from treating any Friends on that day, 
who should open their shops, with any kind of ill treatment 
whatever. * * * At four, to the Philosophical Hall, to 
meet a number of persons, to consider what steps might be 
necessary to take, on the dissolution of government, as pub- 
lished this day. It was concluded to call a convention with 
speed ; to protest against the present Assembly's doing 
any business in their House until the sense of the Province 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 81 

was taken in that Convention to be called, &c., with the 
mode and manner of doing these several things by or on next 
Second Day. Then adjourned to Seventh Day morning next, 
at six o'clock. * * * Dispersed a number of handbills, as 
pubHshed this day. * * * It's said by a letter from New 
York, that our people had possessed and destroyed part of 
the lower town of Quebec and made a breach in the walls of 
the upper town, about the Twenty-third of last month. 

May \lth. * * This day is what was appointed 
for the Fast to be kept through this Continent. Our neigh- 
bourhood extremely quiet, observant and composed, in com- 
pliance with the resolve of the Honourable Congress, yet 
there was some noise in some few other parts of the 
City. * * * Account just brought that one of our small 
vessels, callfid the Congress, has taken a priyp, earned her 
into Sandy Puxton in Virginia, with three hundred half-joes, 
and that the Commissioners and the Hessians are arrived at 
Halifax. 

18^/i. * * About nine, the New York post 
came, brought account by letter from Albany that they had 
account dated the Fifteenth instant, that our forces raised 
the siege of Quebec upon the appearance of four men of war, 
leaving all their provisions, a number of cannon and two 
hundred sick and wounded men. * * * Went about seven 
to [the] Committee Room at [the] Philosophical Hall. * * * 
Came away past nine. The call of this meeting was to con- 
sider a letter from Joshua Fisher and Sons, respecting a 
load of saltpetre lodged in the Committees' store, it being 
shipped contrary to resolve of Congress in Dec. 1774, but 
as their letter now was a Jesuitical contrivance to impose 
upon the country and deceive the Committee, a true state of 
the case was ordered to be published. A request was 



82 Marshall's [1776. 

brought to this Committee, from a large company of the City 
and Liberties, that a general call be made of the inhabitants 
of the City and Liberties, to meet next Monday at nine 
o^ clock forenoon at the State House, in order to take the 
sense of the people respecting the resolve of Congress of the 
Fifteenth instant, the which, after debate, was agreed to, 
only five dissenting voices.* 

May 20th. * * At ten, went to [the] Coffee House, 
thence to [the] State House Yard, where, it was computed, 
Four thousand people were met, notwithstanding the rain, 
and then, sundry resolves were passed unanimously except 
one, and there was one dissenting voice, to wit, Isaac Gray. 
Near twelve, all was completed quietly and peaceably. * * * 
Went to [the] Committee Room at [the] Philosophical Hall, 
where were confirmed the resolves at the State House, and 
directions, with proper persons appointed to go with the said 
resolves to the different counties. 

22d. * * N. B. Yesterday, arrived in town Ma- 
jor General Gates from New York. * * 

24th. * * Yesterday, about two o'clock P. M. 
came into [town] from New York, General Washington, as 
did his lady, the day before. Past ten, went to meet [the] 
Committee at [the] Philosophical Hall, called by notices. 

* On the Tenth of May, 1776, it was Resolved by Congress to recom- 
mend tO'the several Assemblies and Conventions of the United Colonies, 
where no Government sufficient to the exigencies of their affairs had been 
established, to adopt such a government, as should, in the opinion of the 
Representatives of the people, best conduce to the happiness and safety 
of their constituents in particular and of America in general. A pream- 
ble to this Resolution, agreed to on the Fifteenth of May, stated the inten- 
tion to be, totally to suppress the exercise of every kind of authority under 
the British Crown. 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 83 

Here was an Address to Congress concluded on, in answer 
to tfie Remonstrance that was, or is intended to be, sent 
from the Assembly, to counteract our proceedings last Se- 
cond Day at the State House. This was to be delivered as 
soon as their Remonstrance was read in Congress. This 
paper or Remonstrance of their's was carried by numbers, 
two by two, into almost all parts of the town to be signed by 
all (tag, longtail and bob), and also sent into the country, and 
much promoted by the Quakers. See the copy in Evening 
Post, Numb. 209. 

May 26th. * * Thence to James Cannon's, who 
was gone out this morning with Tim. Matlack, Benjamin 
Harbeson, Lieutenant Chambers [and] William Miles to 
meet sundry county members at Norrington* this after- 
noon. * * * Account arrived by express of our privateer 
Franklin's taking and carrying into Boston a store ship of 
three hundred tons, having seventy-five tons of gunpowder, 
one thousand stand of arms, &;c. <fec. See Evening Post, 
Numb. 210. 

26th. * * Sundry material advices from England 
were published in Pennsylvania Journal, No. 1746. * * 

27/^. * * Past two took a walk on the commons 
to see the review of sundry battalions of militia and the re- 
cruits, which were drawn up regularly with the troop of 
horse and train of artillery. The Generals were Washing- 
ton (chief). Gates and Mifflin, with the Congress, members 
of Assembly, a number of clergymen, officers, &;c., and a 
vast concourse of people, with between twenty and thirty of 
the Indians of the six nations. * * 

♦ Then in Philadelphia county, now in the county of Montgomery, 
which was formed in 1784, from the North Western part of Philapelphia 
county. 



84 MARSHALL'S [1776. 

May 2Sth. * * Past seven, went to the Philosophi- 
cal Hall and met the Committee there. Joshua Fisher 
and Sons' letter to us, respecting salt, was now referred to 
Congress for their determination. Those letters were ap- 
pointed to be written by Committees appointed, viz., one to 
Cumberland county, one to Philadelphia county. Committees 
in answer to their's, one to the Managers of the Hospital 
respecting Thomas Fisher's being elected Manager. 

30th, * * After dinner, went to James Cannon's. 
Stopped by the way by Humphrey Marshall. Spent near 
an hour with him in the street, with two or three of the 
House of Assembly, on the state of the times. * * * Dr. 
Young, being returned from Yorktown, came there to see 
me. * * * Heard his declaration of his expedition, read 
his letters from the Committee.! * * 

31 5^. * * Past seven, went to the Committee 
Room at [the] Philosophical Hall ; came away past nine, 
having appointed a Committee to settle the price of salt, 
find the quantity, &c. Also had sundry letters read from 
Committee of Yorktown and Lancaster. Went from there 
to James Cannon's, found a select company of friends of the 
liberties of America. Stayed and supped. * * 

June 1st. * * Thence to meet [the] Committee 
at [ihe] Philosophical Hall, where the prices of salt and 
teas were settled for the present, and a determination to sup- 
port the resolve of Congress, dated May 25th, at all hazards. 
A resolution was come to for presenting a Memorial to the 
County Court, requesting them to adjourn till the sense of 
the Province was taken. * * 

t Dr. Young appears to have been one of the gentlemen sent into the 
different counties with the resolves of the town meeting of May 20th. 
Yorktown or York is the county town of York county, Penn. 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 85 

Jime 2d. * * Visited this forenoon by Paul Fooks, 
who gave a relation of their meeting last night with seven of 
the Captains of the Gondolas by appointment, to which I 
had been invited, and [a] relation of Captain Mugford's 
death. See Evening Post, Numb. 213, * * * In the even- 
ing came Robert Whitehill, member for Cumberland, Paul 
Fooks, John Payne, * * * who stayed and supped. 

3d * * Went to [the] Committee Room at [the] 
Philosophical Hall, past nine, being by notices, to hear the 
Memorial read, _^at was ordered to be prepared to present to 
the Magistrates of the County Court to be held this day. 
The same was read and approved of, and Col. McKean was 
requested to present it. From there, sundry of us went to 
[the] Court House; thence I went to [the] Committee 
Room at [the] Coffee House, where two vessels with dry- 
goods and som« military stores, oil and sugar, were entered, 
one from St. Martin's, one from Hispaniola. * * 

4th, ^ * To [the] State House, in order to hear 
the examination of [the] Committee of Safety and the cap- 
tains of [the] Gondolas before the Assembly. ^ * 

5th, * * This morning. General Washington, 
General Miiflin, Gates, &c., with their Aids de camp, left 
this city for New York. Past three, I went to Paul Fooks's. 
He went with me on the commons, where the Third and the 
Shirt Battalions* were exercising. * * 

6th, * * This day arrived, it's said, at Capt. 
Craig's, in this City, from on board the Privateers Congress 
and Chance at Egg Harbour, Twenty-two Thousand, Four 
Hundred and Twenty Dollai-s [and] one hundred and eighty- 
seven pounds of plate, taken by them from three Jamaica 
ships, those Privateers had taken. * * 

* Probably so called from wearing hunting shirts. 
H 



86 Marshall's [1776. 

June Sth. * * This day, fresh instructions were given 
by our Assembly to their delegates in Congress, Yeas 31, 
Nays 12.* Sundry pieces of intelligence see in Evening 
Post, Numb. 216. This afternoon, came up to town, the 
ship Juno, Capt. Saml. Marston, being one of the prizes 
taken by two of our Privateers. She was bound from Ja- 
maica to London, with rum, sugar, molasses, &c. * * 

loth. * ^' Near twelve, went to [the] Committee 
Room at [the] Coffee House, where we entered Sloop Sally, 
from Saint Eustatia, with one thousand and twenty bushels 
of salt. Came away about one. Just about this time, part 
of the Fourth Battalion seized a Jew, for mal-practice, 
cursing the Congress, declaring his willingness to fight 
against Jhem, &c. &c., but upon their treating him roughly 
[he] excused himself by informing against Arthur Thomas, 
a skinner, who, he said, instructed him in those points. 

* These fresh instructions rescinded those given in the previous No- 
vember, (to dissent from and utterly reject any proposition that might 
lead to a separation from Great Britain) and authorised them "to con- 
cur with the other Delegates in Congress, in forming such farther com- 
pacts between the United Colonies, concluding such treaties with foreign 
Kingdoms and States and in adopting such other measures as may be 
judged necessary for promoting the liberty, safety and interest of Ame- 
rica, reserving to the people of this colony the sole and exclusive right of 
regulating the internal government and police of the same." 

The concluding paragraph of these instructions is as follows: — 
" The happiness of these colonies has, during the whole course of this 
fatal controversy, been our first wish : their reconciliation with Great 
Britain our next. Ardently have we prayed for the accomplishment of 
both. But, if we must renounce the one or the other, we humbly trustin the 
mercies of the Supreme Governor of the Universe, that we shall not stand 
condemned before his throne, if our choice is determined by that over- 
ruling law of self-preservation, which his divine wisdom has thought fit 
to implant in the hearts of his creatures." 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 87 

Now, as this Thomas was one [who] had been frequently- 
complained of ever since Dr. Kearley's affair, and with 
whom it's said, he now corresponds, the mob flew to his 
house. Not finding him as he ran away on their appearance, 
they wreaked their vengeance on his house, furniture, cash, 
skins, breeches, &:c. &;c. <fec. * * * Down to where the 
First Battalion exercised ; stayed till the resolves of Con- 
gress, Fifteenth of May, and the resolves made the Twen- 
tieth at the State House were read, then [it was] proposed 
whether they should support them at all hazards. The same 
was agreed to unanimously, except two oflnicers in the Foot, 
two officers in the [Light] Infantry and about twenty-three 
privates in the [Light] Infantry. From thence to the Se- 
cond Battalion, where the same was read and agreed to by 
all except two privates. The same I understand was done 
by Col. McKean's and Col. Matlack's [Battalions] to a 
man, this day. * * 

June 11th. * * Past seven, to Committee at Philoso- 
phical Hall, called upon special business, viz. to settle the 
number of members to meet the country members on the 
Conference to be begun [the] Eighteenth instant. * ^ 

l^th, * * Rose this morning soon, a Committee 
of five being appointed to meet at seven at [the] Coffee 
House in order to pick out twenty-five members to be 
returned to the General Committee to serve in Confer- 
ence, * * 

\iith. * * Yesterday an express came from Harry 
Fisher of a numerous body of Tories assembled in Sussex 
County, who were intrenching and had cut off the communi- 
cation by land to Dover. * * * Powder and ball were sent 
from here under escort of a company of Col, Matlack's Bat- 
talion. It's thought this trick of the Tories was concerted 



88 Marshall's 1776.] 

in this place in order to give disturbance and break our mea- 
sures, but they will find, I hope, that the pit they dug, they 
themselves will fall into. * * * At James Davidson's till 
past seven. Then went to [the] Committee Room, where 
the appointment for the twenty -five members was settled by 
ballot, who were to attend the Conference as Deputies from 
this City and Liberties on the Eighteenth instant. The per- 
sons were, B. Franklin, Thomas McKean, S. Detany, 
John Cox, John Bayard, G. Schlosser, C. Ludwig, J. B. 
Smith, James Milligan, B. Loxley, C. Marshall, Senior, 
Joseph Moulder, F. Gurney, T. Matlack, J. Schriner, J. 
Deane, J. Barge, Dr. Rush, S. C. Morris, William Coates, 
■ S. Brewster, J. Blewer, William Robinst^n, G. Goodwin, 
William Lowman. * * 

June I5th. * * Yesterday, the membei-s of the As- 
sembly, to the number of thirty-three, adjourned to August 
the Twenty-sixth, sundry country members being gone out 
of town. 

I7th. Went to Qhe] Committee Room at [the] 
Philosophical Hall, at eight [A. M.] in order to consider 
the mode of opening the Conference, to be held to-morrow 
in this City by the Delegates appointed from the different 
Counties. Some proceedings proposed, but referred till to- 
morrow morning to be finally concluded. * * * Went to 
[the] sign of [the] Harp and Crown, Third Street, being 
one appointed by [the] Committee to meet and consult with 
the Captains of the Gondolas respecting their complaints and 
intentions of resigning^ their commissions. * * 

ISth. * * Met [the] Committee at [the] Philo- 
sophical Hall, agreed upon the mode to open the Conference 
at ten this morning, but to meet at nine in order to introduce 
some of the country members, who are strangers. Returned 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 89 

home till nine ; then went, as agreed, to meet the Delegates 
from the different counties at Carpenter's Hall, where 
Thomas McKean was chosen President, Joseph Hart, Vice- 
President, Jonathan B. Smith and Samuel Cadwalader Mor- 
ris, Secretaries,* Adjourned till three P. M. * * * Past 
three, to Carpenter's Hall, but as [the] Chester and North- 
umberland delegates were not arrived, adjourned till nine to- 
morrow morning. * * * Past seven, to [the] Committee 
Room, came away near ten. Agreed at the meeting that 
George Bryan take upon him the collectorship, as per resolve 

of Assembly, May . Account was brought of Thomas 

Lightfoot, Myng, and two or three others, who were 

called to an account at Germantown by the populace for 
speaking and acting inimical to the Congress and American 
liberty in general. * * 

June 25th. * * Went to meet the delegates at Carpen- 
ters' Hall. Broke up and finished the conference past one.f 
Went and dined with several of the Country and City mem- 
bers, with General Wooster, his Aide de Camp, &c., at the 
sign of the Indian Queen. 

27th. * * Yesterday morning, Capt. McCutcheon 
was examined by our Committee on the information of James 
Steward, the Pilot, and by them sent to [the] Committee of 

* For the minutes of the Provincial Conference, see the volume on 
the Conventions of Pennsylvania, published in 1825, at Harrisburgh, by 
John S. Weistling, Page 35 to Page 45. 

t The Provincial Conference, besides calling a Convention " for the 
express purpose of forming a new Government in the Province on the 
authority of the People only,'' made provision for raising 4500 militia in 
obedience to resolutions of Congress of the Third and Fourth of June 
1776, for establishing a Flying Camp in the middle colonies. See Weist- 
ling's " Pennsylvania Conventions," Page 43. 

h2 



90 Marshall's [1776. 

Safety, who committed bim to prison for his attempting to 
engage him for fifteen shillings sterling per day to go and 
pilot the Asia from the Narrows into our river. * * 

June 2Sth, * * The declaration agreed in conference 
to be taken by those elected to sit in Convention* is highly 
censured, and as it's represented, and not unjustly, that I 
strenuously supported it, I am blamed, and was buffeted and 
extremely maltreated by sundry of my friends, as I thought, 
and who, I believed, were really religious persons and loved 
our Lord Jesus Christ, but now declare that no such Belief 
or Confession is necessary, in forming the new government. 
But their behaviour do'n't affect me, so as to alter my judg- 
ment in looking upon such a Confession to be essentially 
necessary and convenient. 

SOth. * * Sundry pieces of news are circulated 
about town, viz. that six or seven sail of men of war [are] 
at our capes with a large store ship, intending to proceed 

up our river; that the brig , Capt, Newman, a Privateer, 

lately from this City, was taken going out of our capes ; 
that General Howe, with sixty sail of vessels, was arrived at 
Sandy Hook and had landed a troop of horse ; that Go- 
vernor Franklin of the Jerseys was sent prisoner to Hart- 
ford in Connecticut ; that most or all of our forces were 
killed and taken in Canada; the remains were arrived at 

* On the Twenty-first of June the Provincial Conference " Re- 
solved that no person elected to serve as a Member of Convention 
shall take his seat or give his vote until he shall have made and 

subscribed the following declaration, I do profess faith in 

God the Father and in Jesus Christ, his Eternal Son, the true God, 
and in the Holy Spirit, one God, blessed for evermore ; and do ac- 
knowledge the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to 
be given by Divine Inspiration. 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 91 

Crown Point; that the Quakers in England had gotten a 
security and indemnification from the crown for all their ap- 
proved friends' estates in America. 

July 1st. * * Information was received from , a 

comb maker, of not less than four different clubs of Tories in 
this City, that meet frequently. Sundry names were also men- 
tioned of some that attended those clubs. The four places 
mentioned were, one at Widow Ball's, Lombard Street, one 
at [the] sign of [the] Pennsylvania Farmer, kept by Price, 
another at Jones's beer house on the dock, and one at the 
sign of the King's arms. Past ten, went to [the] Coffee 
House ; thence to [the] Court House ; the trial of the ships 

Juno and , which, I am informed were both condemned. 

The said Jury insisted that the King's Arms in [the] Court 
Room should be taken down. The same, I am informed, 
was done. * * 

2d. * * Past seven, went to Paul Fooks's; spent 
some time with him (who says he is a relation to the pre- 
sent Chevalier, Charles) and the Engineer, who is going to 
build a grand battery and fort of thirty-six heavy cannon at 
Billingsport. * * "^ Past seven, to [the] Committee Room 
at [the] Philosophical [Hall]; none been there; went to 
John Lynn's ; stayed till near eight ; then returned ; broke 
up past ten. At this meeting, six besides myself, were ap- 
pointed a Committee of Secrecy to examine all inimical and 
suspected persons that come to their knowledge. * * * This 
day, the Continental Congress declared the United States 
Free and Independent States.* 

Sd. * * Near nine [P. M.] went to meet the 
Committee of Privates with others at Thome's school room, 
where three 'speakers, viz., James Cannon, Timothy Matlack 

* See Appendix (D.) 



©2 Marshall's [1776. 

[and] Dr. Young flourished away on the necessity of 
choosing eight persons to be proposed to the people for their 
concurrence in electing them next Second Day for our 
Representatives in Convention. The speakers expatiated 
greatly upon the qualifications they should be possessed of, 
viz., great learning, knowledge in our history, law, mathe- 
matics, &c., and a perfect acquaintance with the laws, man- 
ners, trade, constitution and polity of all nations, men of in- 
dependent fortunes, steady in their integrity, zeal and up- 
rightness to the determination and result of Congress in their 
opposition to the tyranny of Great Britain. Sundry names 
were proposed, out of which eight were collected to lay 
before the meeting to-morrow evening,^ — Joseph Moulder in 
the chair. * * 

July 4:th. * * Accounts from New York are, that, 
Friday last, one of General Washington's guard was exe- 
cuted in a field near that City for mutiny and conspiracy, he 
being one of those who had formed a plot to assassinate the 
staff officers, blowing up the magazines and securing the 
passes of the town on the arrival of the Tyrant George the 
Third's fleet before this City. It's said that the number of 
transports from Halifax now arrived at Sandy Hook, amounts 
to one hundred and thirteen sail. It's thought General 
Howe's also in the fleet ; that our troops from different parts 
of the country on their way and there arrived will amount 
soon to Twenty-five thousand men. * * * To the Com- 
mittee Room at Philosophical Hall ; came away past eleven 
[P. M.] An express was sent off from this Committee near 
ten o'clock by request of a Committee of Congress, with a 
letter to the meeting of officers at Lancaster, in order to re- 
quest them to expedite the six thousand men appointed to 
compose the Flying Camp, and to march directly for Bruns- 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 93 

wick in the Jerseys, the place appointed for the rendezvous 
of those troops. The said Committee of Congress requested 
this Committee to meet a Committee of the members of New 
York, Jerseys, Lower Counties, officers of the Five Bat- 
talions and Safety, at seven to-morrow morning, at [the] 
State House, to take into consideration what may be neces- 
sary to be done in this critical situation. It's said that 
through the vigilance of our brethren to the Eastward, seven 
transports with Scotch rebels (soldiers) are taken and se- 
cured safely. See Evening Post, Numb. 227. 

July dth. * * Past ten, I went with Jacob Sehriner, 
Bohen, Kuhl [and] Leamington to collect awnings to make 
tents for the militia, going into the Jerseys; finished our 
district by one o'clock. * * * Near eight, went to com- 
mittee. Philosophical Hall, where eight members were voted 
for and carried by majority, some of whom I have no ob- 
jection to, but would not rise, nor agree to support at the 
election some others. Agreed that the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence be declared at the State House next Second Day. 
At [the] same time, the King's arms there are to be taken 
down by nine Associators, here appointed, who are to 
convey it to a pile of casks erected upon the commons, for 
the purpose of a bonfire, and the arms placed on the top. 
This* being Election day, I opposed the motion, only by 
having this put ofi" till next day, fearing it would interrupt 
the Election, but the motion was carried by a majority. * * 
8th. * * Warm sunshine morning. At eleven, 
went and met [the] Committee of Inspection at [the] Phi- 
losophical Hall; went from there in a body to the lodge; 
joined the Committee of Safety (as called) ; went in a body 
to [the] State House Yard, where, in the presence of a great 

* That is, the next Second Day, (Monday.) 



94 Marshall's [1776. 

concourse of people, the Declaration of Independence was 
read by John Nixon. The company declared their appro- 
bation by three repeated huzzas. The King's Arms were 
taken down in the Court Room, State House [at the] same 
time. From there, some of us went to B. Armitage's tavern ; 
stayed till one. I went and dined at Paul Fooks's ; lay 
down there after dinner till five. Then he and the French 
Engineer went with me on the commons, where the same 
was proclaimed at each of the five Battalions. * * * This 
day, the eight members for this City, and the eight members 
for this County, to serve in Convention, were elected very 
quietly at the State House.* Fine starlight, pleasant even- 
ing. There were bonfires, ringing bells, with other great 
demonstrations of joy upon the unanimity and agreement of 
the declaration. 

July lOth. * * For sundry pieces of intelligence. See 
Pennsylvania Journal, Numb. 1753. Dined at home alone, 
as my wife was at the place. Past five, went and called at 
John Lynn's ; thence to Benj Harbeson's about the soldiers' 
camp kettles ; thence to James Cannon's ; drank coffee 
there; stayed till past nine. There were, John Adams, 
Paul Fooks, Dr. Young, Timothy Matlack, &c. Thence 
home. Starlight and pleasant. There was a small gust this 
afternoon; blew hard, but little rain or thunder. (No Poll). 
ll//t. * * Went this morning with Benja. Har- 
beson to Col. Cox's store; ordered twentyifour-gallon iron 

♦ For the City of Philadelphia : Benjamin Franklin, Frederick Kuhl, 
Owen Biddle, George Clymer, Timothy Matlack, James Cannon, 
George Schlosser, David Rittenhouse. 

For the County of Philadelphia : Frederick Antis, Henry Hill, Robert 
Loller, Joseph Blewer, John Bull, Thomas Potts, Edward Bartholomew. 
William Coates, 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 95 

pots to William Rush's workshop to have bales put to them, 
to send for the use of our forces going into the Jerseys. 
Yesterday, several companies went from here by water to 
Trenton. * * 

July I2th. * * Past six, I went down to Mulberry 
wharf. Numbers of militia going upwards, as many have 
done this morning for Trenton. * * 

I4th. * * Yesterday, cam"e to town, about eighty 
prisoners, taken at St. John's, on their way, it's said, to 
Cumberland County. Three or four companies of militia 
gone off this morning for Trenton. Sixteen shallops, with 
Maryland troops, going to Trenton, amounting, it's said, to 
eleven hundred. Two or three companies arrived from 
Cumberland County ; rest till to-morrow ; going to Trenton. 
The whole, it's said, in high spirits. 

I5th. * * Past three, took a walk to the State 
House ; thence to the causeway leading to Kensington. * * * 
More of the militia, with the artillery, went for Trenton this 
day, and Col. Montgomery's men from Chester came to 
town and used part of [the] College as barracks. * * 

I7th. * * Past eight, I went to Benja. Harbeson's ; 
we went [and] called upon Captain Davis, then we waited 
upon Gen. Roberdeau, as by appointment at [the] Com- 
mittee last night, respecting troops to be left to secure this 
City in the militia's absence. * * 

ISth. * * Account that our troops were marched 
yesterday from Trenton to Woodbridge, and that the men-of- 
war and tenders that passed New York up North River were 
roughly handled by our forts. It's said, they had above 
forty men killed. * * * Col. Roberdeau took his leave of 
me, going to set out for camp, about seven. (This night our 
girl was brought home. I suppose she was hunted out, as 



96 MARSHALL'S [l776. 

it's said, and found by Ruth, down Passuniack Road. Her 
mistress was delighted upon her return, but I know of no- 
body else, in house or out. I have nothing to say in the af- 
fair, as I know of nothing that would distress my wife so 
much as for me to refuse or forbid her being taken into the 
house.) 

July 19 th. * * Near twelve, John Payne called and 
took his leave of me, being going to camp as Secretary to 
Gen. Roberdeau. Several companies of Col. Montgomery's 
Battalion from Chester left this City last night, to proceed 
to Trenton on their way to camp. This day came letters 
to Congress from Gen. Lee at South Carolina, giving an 
account of the defeat of Gen. Clinton and the fleet in Charles- 
ton, June 18th, last. See Evening Post, Numb. 234. 

20th. * * I virent to wait upon Capt. Peters, 
some complaint being made as Chairman of [the] Com- 
mittee, of a company of negroes, that meet by the barracks, 
in order to get a guard from him to attend some of the mem- 
bers this evening to try to apprehend some of them. * * * 
Waited on and acquainted some of the Committee that a 
guard would be ordered to attend them if waited and called 
for. * * * The gentlemen appointed this day, in Con- 
vention, for Provincial Delegates in Congress, were, B. 
Franklin, votes, 78; Robert Morris, 74; James Wilson, 
74; John Morton, 71 ; George Clymer, 75; George Ross, 
77 ; Col. James Smith, 56 ; Benja. Rush, 61 ; George 
Taylor, 34. 

21 5^. * * Sundry more troops went out of this 
City yesterday for camp in the Jerseys. * * * Between 
twelve and two this day, two companies of our Artillery, 
with field pieces and baggage wagons, went out of town, as 
also went twelve shallop loads of the troops from Maryland, 



1776.^ REMEMBRANCER. 97 

with fair wind and tide for the Jerseys, and one company of 
— Battalion came to town from Carlisle [and] went to 
our barracks* * * 

July 23d. * * This day, the Convention chose and 
appointed the following persons as Committee or Council of 
Safety, viz., Samuel Morris, Sen., Samuel Howell, Mer- 
chant, David Rittenhouse, Samuel Morris, Jun., Thomas 
Wharton, Jun., Joseph Blewer, Owen Biddle, James Can- 
non, Tim. Matlack, Jonat. B. Smith, Nathaniel Falconer, 
Frederick Kuhl, Henry Keppele, Jun., George Gray, 
Samuel Mifflin, John Bull, Henry Wynkoop, Benja. Bar- 
tholomew, John Hubley, Michael Swope, Daniel Hunter, 
William Lyon, Peter Rhoad, Daniel Epsey, John Weitzel 
[and] John Moore ; a poor set for that important post at this 
time.^ 

24th. * * For sundry pieces of news, See Penn- 
sylvania Journal, Numb. 1755* Sundry papers to write 
and endorse for different persons from this City and from 
[the] Committee of Coecil County, Maryland, who were 
going to the Northward. * * 

25th. * * I was called up by Jacob Schriner and 
Philip Bohem, to consider what steps will be necessary to 
take in order to apprehend a company of negroes and whites, 
it's said to the number of thirty or forty, who meet in the 
night near one Clynn's in Camptown,t near the barracks. 
After some consideration, it's concluded that some persons 
in that neighbourhood keep watch, and when they are met, 
come and give information to Schriner or to Bohem, who are 
to go to the main guard at [the] State House, for a file of 

* Mr. Marshall must be understood to speak of the Committee as an 
unit ; several of the persons here named being his particular friends, 
t Part of Kensington formerly bore this name. 

I 



98 Marshall's [1776. 

their men, who have orders to attend when called upon such 
occasions. Near twelve, called upon to consult at [the] 
Committee Room at [the] Coffee House, measures to be 
taken respecting Mrs. Arrall, who left this City this morn- 
ing, it's said, for New York. There being great reason to 
suspect that she is carrying on an intrigue between our ene- 
mies here and aboard the fleet, it was thereupon agreed by 
the members met, to send an express to overtake her at 
Princeton, to-night, and bring her and her papers back, the 
which was done. * * 

July 2Qth. * * Called out of bed early, as some of 
our Committee got information last night that Mrs. Arrall, 
the person sent after by express, was not gone, but was to 
go in the coach this morning. Four of them attended, 
waited till she got in the coach, then requested her to walk 
into the house and to have her bundle brought in. They 
accordingly detained her and brought her to my house. 
Sundry of the Committee being called, she was examined, 
her bundle also, but no letters found. Upon the whole it 
appeared she had been a little unguarded in conversation, and 
had no concern with Henry Shaff in the package of cambricks 
and lawns, found at his lodgings; upon which she was 
discharged, about ten. * * This afternoon, came to town 
and passed by our door to the barracks, two companies of 
clever fellows, one from [the] back parts of Lancaster, the 
other from York County, [under] Col. William Rankin. 
It's said that three or four shallops left this City to-day, with 
troops for the Grand Army at Amboy, Elizabeth Town, &c. 
27th. * * Waited upon by sundry gentlemen 
going to the Northward. Gave a pass to John Spear, of 
Baltimore, on the recommendation of Brigadier General 
James Ewing and Col. Bartram Galbraith.. * * 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 99 

July 2Sfh, * * Wrote two passes, one for the 
Rev. Henry Muhlenburgh, Jun., and one for John Gartley, 
both having a desire to go to New York. * * 

29th. * * About nine, wrote four passes ; for 
Henry Woodrow, for Gabriel Springer, William Hemphill 
[and] John Stow : these three last of Wihnington, New 
Castle County, on the strong recommendation of Andrew 
Tybout ; the first by a written recommendation of sundry of 
his neighbours in the Northern Liberties. 

30/A. * * Three or four companies of militia 
came to town yesterday from [the] back parts of Cumberland, 
York, and Lancaster Counties; went to barracks. * * 

31s^. * * Gave a pass to John Caruthers, he going 
to join the army for three weeks, the time allowed for the 
masters to be absent from College duties.* * * 

August 1st. * * News to-day of the ship , (sent 

out by Congress,) 's being in the river, from Marseilles in 
France, with ten tons [of] gunpowder, one hundred and 
eleven stand of arms, thirty-seven and a half tons of lead 
[and] one tierce of flints. 

2d. "^ * Yesterday, Arthur Thomas was brought 
to town, under a guard from Bucks County, he and his son, 
(who made his escape) being, on information, concerned in 

helping Kerchland to make his escape out of prison. 

The information was given by Hale in Lombard Street, 

who was employed and did procure horses for him to go off 
with. Account last night was, that the Congress, Privateer, 
Captain Craig, of this port, has taken and brought into Egg 

* The teachers of Philadelphia appear to have been distinguished for 
their patriotism. We may add the name of Mr. Caruthers, al)OUt to 
spend the August holidays in camp, to those of Charles Thompson, 
James Cannon, and James Davidson, 



100 Marshall's [1776* 

Harbour a brig from Nevis. It's said to be worth near 
Twenty Thousand Pounds. 

August 5th. * * Waited on by Capt. Hyshara, Capt. 
Simpson, and John Leamington, who had thrown the twelve 

of Green Tea, as directed last Committee night, into 

[the] Delaware; upon which, I copied the resolve, with 
direction to the printers to publish it and the affair in next 
newspapers. * * 

7th. * * Yesterday, arrived here, the ship 
Friendship, Capt. McCoy, of four hundred tons, sent in by 
the Reprisal, loaded with sugar, rum, &:c., bound from 
Granada for London. 

Sth. * * This day, came to town, the King's 
Speech, dated 23d of May, (also, near nine, our Poll re- 
turned home from her cruise.) 

lOth. * * Wrote a discharge for William Carstins, 
servant to Speigel, (Barber surgeon), confined in [the] 
workhouse, for which, as there is a dispute between this 
master and his former, Speigel gave bond to me, in behalf 
of [the] Committee, for this man's appearance when a pro- 
per Judicatory is settled. 

11/^. * * Several shallops, with troops for the 
camp, went from town yesterday, as [others] did also this 
morning [at] flood. * * 

ISth. ** Sundry vessels left this City with the- 
flood with troops for the camp. * * 

15th. * * Every day this week, numbers of 
soldiers going to the camp. * * 

17^^. * * Yesterday being the expiration of the 
time of the Committee of Inspection and Observation, the 
Committee, in obedience to the resolve of Convention of the 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 101 

Ninth instant, concluded still to act, agreeably to ihe said 
resolve.* See Evening Post, No. 244. 

August ISfh. * * Yesterday were published 
three resolves of Congress respecting the return of the 
Associators from the camp in JNevv Jersey, without leave. 
See Evening Post, Num. 246. The same was printed in 
handbills. * * * About two o'clock, about eleven or twelve 
sail of shallops, with soldiers for camp, went past. * * 

24//i. * * This evening were published, the 
Messrs. Shewell, for breakinor the rules of Congress and 
Committee. For that and some pieces of news, see the 
Evening Post, Numb. 249. 

2C>th. * * Came home past nine. Moonlight 
and pleasant. I met part of the First Battalion of Phila- 
delphia Militia, just returned from camp in the Jerseys. * * * 
Yesterday, came to town, several companies of forces from 
the back counties, from Maryland, &:c. 

27//^. * * Past eleven, the Second Battalion came 
to town. * * * Past seven, went to [the] Committee 
Room, Philosophical Hall ; came home past ten. * * * 
[At] this meeting, Samuel G**** was sent for, to answer 
for his not producing satisfaction respecting two chests [of] 
green tea, which refusal he still persisted in, and as he had 
treated those members who before waited on him with great 
violence and contempt, and called the Committee, robbers, 
and that he would prove them so, &c. <fcc., the same six 
members were to wait on [the] Committee of Safety to- 

♦ The term was extended upon the ground that the Associators, who 
composed a great majority of the Electors, might be absent at camp at 
the expiration of the Committee's year, and it would be highly inexpe- 
dient that the City or Counties should be without Committees, or that 
they should be partially elected, 

I2 



102 Marshall's (^1776. 

morrow morning. * * * Third and Fifth Battalions come 
and coming from camp. 

August 29th. * * My wife rose early to visit the 
wharves for wood ; all bare. One vessel with twenty -three 
cords of hickory and oak just sold before she came, altogether 
for twenty nine shillings for hickory, twenty shillings for 
oak. * * * An account brought of an engagement between 
our forces on Long Island and the enemy, in which our 
forces repulsed them, but many [were] killed on both sides ; 
General Sullivan and Lord Sterling among the missing. See 
Evening Post, Numb. 25L 

30//i, * * My wife rose early to visit the wharves 
on account of winter's wood» * * * Yesterday, went from 
here a great number of troops for Trenton, on their way to 
the camp. It's said near three thousand. * * 

31s/. * * I rose past six, as our folks began to get 
in their winter's fire wood and were piling in the yard, as 
also my customers came soon this morning about salt, passes, 
disputes, &c. <fec. <fec. * * * Paid ^10 for eleven and a 
half cords of oak fire wood. Paid for hauling, carrying, and 
piling, 42s. lOirZ. * * * News brought to-day of our 
forces upon Long Island's taking away all their guns, stores, 
&c., except some large ones, which they spiked, and left the 
Island in good order and went to New York ; Lord Sterling 
and General Sullivan prisoners. The enemy lost two Ge- 
nerals, supposed to be killed, as our people knew nothing of 
them when the flag came to enquire. * * 

September 2d. * * At nine, went to [the] Committee 
Room, Philosophical Hall ; came home past twelve, been 
fixing the quantity of salt to be sold to each county, being 
what w^s Messrs, Shewell and Joshua Fisher and Sons'. * * 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 103 

September Sd. ^ * At seven [P. M.] went to [the], 
Committee Room, Philosophical Hall; came home near 
ten. * ^ * At this meeting [it was] proposed to call an 
election for [a] new Committee for this City and Liberties, 
and reduced the number to fifty. * * 

4th. * * Yesterday, high words passed at [the] 
Coffee House, William Allen, Jr., declaring that he would 
shed his blood in opposition to Independancy, and Col. John 
Bayard, in the support of Independancy. Allen's behaviour 
was such that William Bradford immediately complained to 
Samuel Morris, Jr., as a member of the Committee of 
Safety, of the abuse offered by Allen to the public. 

bth. * * For public occurrences. See Pennsyl- 
vania Journal, No. 1761. * * 

7th, * * It was said yesterday by Living- 
ston, that three members of Congress, viz., Benjamin 
Franklin, John Adams [and] Edward Rutledge [had gone] 
as Deputies to Gen. or Lord Howe, to hear what he had to 
propose to the Congress. Gen. SulHvan left this City yes- 
terday, to return agreeably to his parole with Gen. or Lord 
Howe. Yesterday arrived a Bermudian vessel with twenty- 
five hundred bushels of salt. * * 

8^A. * * It's said that two more vessels are just 
come in with salt; quantity, it's said, two thousand bushels. 

9th. * * A number of the troops, it's said, from 
the country, went out of town yesterday. Those gentle- 
men, delegates, mentioned to go out on the Seventh, to con- 
verse with Lord and General Howe, did not go till this 
morning. It was General Sullivan that went thenabouts, 
from this City. 

lO^A. * * For sundry public occurrences, see 
Dunlap's General Advertiser, Numb. 255. * * 



104 Marshall's [1776. 

September 1 1 th. * * Yesterday was published the pro- 
posed Plan or Frame of Government for the Commonwealth 
or State of Pennsylvania, (Printed for consideration) in 
twelve small pages, folio, containing forty-nine Sections. 
For particulars of the engagement in South Carolina, see 
Pennsylvania Gazette, Numb. 2490. * * 

13/A. * * As I stand informed, Samuel Mor- 
ris, the Elder, resigned his office of Councillor of State, and 
as there were three before, who had not qualified, the Con- 
vention appointed four new members, viz., John Bayard, 
John Cox, Francis Gurney and Cad. Samuel Morris. * * * 
Went to Qhe] Committee Room at Philosophical Hall, 
where William Wild appeared in support of his Memorial. 
Upon being interrogated respecting the money, [which,] he 
had said, belonged to the merchants in England, he now 
declared otherwise, and that the whole sum was his own 
private property, and in order to prove that, said his letter 
and cash books would shew it, which he could fetch in one 
quarter of an hour, if requested. Upon this he was desired 
to fetch them, and the Committee would wait. In about 
that space of time he returned and declared he had destroyed 
his letter and cash book and every other book, about ten 
days ago, which might publicly bring his employers into 
trouble. Referred to next meeting. * * 

14^/i. * * Past, or near, six, I went to Col. 
Hancock's to report William Wild's conduct, being re- 
quested to do so, by some members of Committee. * * 

\bth. * * Yesterday, Paul Fooks gave at 
[the] wharf, twenty-five shillings per cord for oak wood ; 
took three cords, and paid two shillings and six pence per 
cord [for] hauling. This he told me last night. Yesterday 
was published an Ordinance for punishing persons guilty of 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 105 

certain offences, particularly by speaking or writing against 
the United American States, in order to obstruct, or oppose, 
or endeavour so to do, the measures carrying on by the 
United States for the defence and support of the freedom and 
independence of such States, and also, an Ordinance to 
compel debtors in certain cases to give security to their credi- 
tors. See Evening Post, Numb. 258., with sundry pieces 
of public occurrences. Several companies have arrived in 
town this week, of stout able bodied men, from the lower 
counties, the back parts of this Province and some from Vir- 
ginia. Also a number of recruits in this town set out for the 
camp to join the main army. * * 

September 17th. * * Went to [the] Committee Room, 
Philosophical Hall ; came away past nine, having passed a 
vote to break up this Committee entirely, except eight mem- 
bers to settle Committee's accounts, and the six members 
that were appointed to see the salt for each county settled. 
William Wild's money was lodged in Hazlehurst's posses- 
sion, and Samuel G***'*'s tea to be put into the hands of 
[the] Committee of Safety. * * * This day, accounts 
arrived that the enemy had taken possession of New York 
on the Fifteenth instant. See Pennsylvania Journal, Numb. 
1763. 

ISth. * "^ Accounts published to day of the 
conference between Lord Howe and the three gentlemen 
sent by order of Congress, and also an account that the 
enemy were in possession of New York, but no particulars. 
There is also an Ordinance for rendering the burthen of the 
Associators and Non Associators, in the defence of this State, 
as nearly equal as may be. Pennsylvania Gazette, Numb. 
249K 



106 Marshall's [1776. 

September I9lh. * * Accounts brought to day of a skir- 
mish, above New York, with the Forty Second Regi- 
ment, a Battalion of Light Infantry and three Companies of 
Jagers or German Riflemen, whom, after a smart engage- 
ment, our people drove under cover of the men of war's 
guns in East River. 

2Sd. * * By letters by post from camp at 
Harlem, we hear that a fire broke out last Friday evening in 
New York, which has destroyed a number of houses and 
two churches, it is said. For sundry pieces of news, &c., 
raising eighty battalions in the States, the proportion and 
and method of proceedure, counties, &;c., the Declaration of 
the Delaware State in Convention, &c., the gentlemen ap- 
pointed in the governmentof the State of New Jersey, &;c., 
See D. General Advertiser, Numb. 257, (fee. 

28^^. * * Dined at home with our Miller that 
supplies us with flour. * * * This day were published, 
three resolves, by the majority of the Assemblymen now 
met, dated [the] Twenty-sixth instant, against the proceed- 
ings of the Convention now sitting. See Evening Post, 
Numb. 264, where is also the time, mode and form of elec- 
tion in this Province, fixed by Convention, same day. It's 
said that before the then members of Assembly (being 
twenty-six) broke up, fourteen against twelve passed a vote 
for the sum of Five Hundred, or a Thousand Pounds, to be 
paid our late Governor. The order was immediately drawn, 
signed by Morton, Speaker, sent and the cash received. 

SOth. * * This afternoon, came to town General 
Mifflin, L. Colonel Penrose and Major Williams, from 
camp above New York. * * 

October 1st. * * Account to day of a great fire at Bas- 
seterre, in St. Kitts, which, with hurricane, chiefly de- 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 107 

stroyed the town. Particulars not yet come to hand. Since 
come ; see particulars [in the] Pennsylvania Journal, 
Numb. 1769. 

October 2d. * * Accounts of a great number of prizes 
being taken by our friends to the Eastward and arrived 
safe into port ; also a report that General Arnold had lately 
destroyed most of the enemies' boats at the North and Lake 
Champlaine, and made prisoners of six hundred English, 
Scotch and Hessian soldiers, on a small island on the lake. 
See Pennsylvania Journal, Numb. 1765, Evening Post, 
Numb. 265. 

4:th. * * Accounts brought that election was 
held in Chester and Bucks Counties, for Assemblymen, 
Sheriffs, Coroners, be on the First instant, and that some 
day this week, Joseph Fox and John Reynolds refused to 
take the Continental Money for large sums due them by 
bond, mortgage, <fec., as it's said. Of Fox's, a record was 
made by Paul Fooks, from the person that tendered him 
d6240 before two witnesses, due on mortgage. 

1th. * * Son Charles came to invite [me] 
to dine at his house to-day with some friends from Boston, 
but having an invitation from the owners of sloops Congress 
and Chance on the Fifth, to dine with them at James 
Byrne's this day, I went near two, where were between 
sixty and seventy persons. I came away before six. * * * 
A vessel arrived this day from Surinam with some powder, 
lead, some stands of arms and some woollen cloths, 
molasses, &c. ; a vessel from Bermudas, with salt. Arrived 
this day, his Excellency General Lee from the Southward. 

\Oth. * * Prize ship in the river from Jamaica, 
with three hundred and ten hogsheads [of] Sugar, ninety 
casks or puncheons of spirits. She is called the Thetis, 



108 Marshall's [1T76 

Capt. May, taken by [the] General Montgomery Priva- 
teer, Captain Hamilton. Also a private brig from St. 
Martin's arrived yesterday. It's said that General Lee left 
this City to day for the army near New York, and that 
another reinforcement arrived last week from England, at 
Sandy Hook, consisting of Burgoyne's Light Horse. Two 
thousand Hessians and one thousand British troops are on 
Staten Island. An account, also, from the West Indies of 
an insurrection of the negroes in the Island Jamaica, and 
that martial law was declared. See Pennsylvania Gazette, 
Numb. 2494. ^ * 

October llth. * * A severe Satire, by way of Dia- 
logue, published in the Evening Post, Numb. 269, on the 
proposed plan or frame of government of this Province. "^ 
Also a Resolve of Congress of the Third instant for borrow- 
ing Five millions of Continental Dollars for the use of the 
United States, at [an] annual interest of four per cent. 

I2th. * * By letter [through] yesterday even- 
ing's post, Paul Fooks received from Nantz, in Old France, 
from Mons. Permel, that he had loaded two vessels for 
Virginia with blankets, coarse cloths, linen, arms, ammuni- 
tion, (fcc. also two of [the] same commodities for Rhode 
Island, and that he had another (besides this, that brought 
this letter, both loaded with the same commodities) that 
sail in a few days, which, I hope, will all arrive safe. I 
think this letter was dated Third [of] August. Two vessels 
with salt arrived within these two days past, and yet it's said 
some are selling it at Three Dollars per bushel (so inhuman 
are some of our citizens to poor people.) * * * A wonder- 
ful Ordinance pubUshed in Evening Post, Numb. 270, 
inviting all masters of vessels, coming with salt to sell it 

* See a defence of it in the Evening Post, No. 279, November 2, 1776. 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 109 

to them for fifteen shillings per bushel. O rare Council of 
Safety ! 

October ISth. * * About eleven o'clock last night 
alarmed by cry of fire, which proved to be just above Pool's 
Bridge, near the Magazine, in a baker's shop, but it was 
soon extinguished. * ^ * The prize ship, coming through 
the chevaux-de-frize, got hurt, so that they were obliged to 
unload and keep the pumps going till arrived in town, then 
ran her ashore at Hodge's wharf and were busy unloading 
her cargo this day on the said wharves. * * 

I4th. * * Took a walk to the place, stopping as 
we went to view part of the First Battalion exercise, this 
being, it's said, the last field day they are to have, as per Act 
of Assembly, for this year. * * ^ Two more vessels, it's 
said, with cargoes of salt. Various pieces of news circu- 
lating, but little to be depended upon except that the King's 
troops have entirely abandoned Staten Island, but where 
gone, or the reason is not known by the public. Major 
Keppele, just come home from Elizabeth-Town Point, which 
he left this morning, said he was on the island. * * 

I6th. * * Yesterday arrived, the Continental 
Schooner Wasp, Captain Baldwin; brought with her a 
large Guinea ship bound from Jamaica for Liverpool, having 
on board three hundred and five hogsheads of Sugar, fifty-one 
puncheons of rum and other goods. Letter from Harlem, 
where our companies [are], of the Thirteenth instant, says 
most of Howe's forces are got about six miles above King's 
Bridge, and were landed in order if possible to surround our 
camp, so that a general engagement may be hourly expected 
to be heard of. For further occurrences, see Pennsylvania 
Journal, Numb. 1767. 

K 



110 Marshall's [1776. 

October 17th. * * Another vessel, it's said, arrived yes- 
terday with twenty-five bushels of salt from Bermudas. ^ * * 
Past six, went to Philosophical Hall, being called there by 
invitation in printed tickets, where met a large number of 
respectable citizens in order to consider of a mode to set 
aside sundry improper and unconstitutional rules laid down by 
the late Convention, in what they call their Plan or Frame of 
Govern i ent, where after sundry deliberate proposals, some 
amendments were agreed to, nemine c. d. and ordered im- 
mediately to be printed, with the reasons that induced this 
company to make such alterations, to be published imme- 
diately for the perusal and approbation of the whole State at 
large, and that a general town meeting be held at the State 
House in this City, next Monday afternoon, the proceedings i 
of which to be printed and immediately transmitted to all the i 
Counties in the State. The whole of the meeting was con- 
ducted with great order and solemnity, and broke up past ten, 
in great union. * * 

ISth. * * Sundry pieces of news from about j 
New York, but none confirmed, but that our people had vi 
landed upon Staten Island, and a heavy firing of small arms 'i 
had ensued on last Third Day, and as all the Hessians had 
not left the Island, it was supposed to be an engagement 
betwixt them and the party of our army that went over. A | 
person who left Head Quarters last Second Day, says that { 
the detachment from Gen. Howe's army that landed at l 
Frog's Point, had been attacked by a party of Gen. Wash- I 
ington's, who obliged them to retreat under cover of their 1 
ships, and that another detachment had also been beat off I 
and prevented from landing on the banks of the North j 
River. * * * This day, thirty-three Tories were brought J 
from New York, and lodged in our New Jail. 






1776.] REMEMBRANCER. Ill 

October I9th. * * After breakfast, Anthony Benezet 
came to pay a friendly visit. We held conversation for near 
an hour, on religion and politics. * * 

20th. * * In the Evening Post, Numb. 273, is 
this remarkable extract of a letter, dated Dominica, Sept. — , 
viz., *' Capt. Stout, of Antigua, told us that he had heard from 
Taylor and Bell of that island, that a house that does the 
government business there had poisoned two kegs of rum, 
which they shipped in the Creighton, Capt. Ross, and 
directed for Gen. Howe, in hopes that if the ship should be 
taken, the Americans would send those to the camp, on sup- 
posing them of an uncommon good quality.^' What a dia- 
bolical project ! He had it from their own mouth ! Oh, 
dreadful ! 

2lst. * * To [the] Coffee House, where I stayed 
and saw fifteen prisoners (taken on Staten Island last week, 
viz., eight Hessians and seven English soldiers) come on 
shore. Thence to State House Yard, where it's thought 
about fifteen hundred people assembled, in order to de- 
liberate on the change of sundry matters contained in the 
Form of Government, settled in the late Convention. Col. 
Bayard being seated in the chair, [we] proceeded to busi- 
ness, which was conducted with prudence and decency till 
dark ; then adjourned till nine to-morrow morning. Chief 
speakers, against [the] Convention, were Col. McKean 
and Col. Dickinson ; for the Convention, James Cannon, 
Timothy Matlack, Dr. Young and Col. Smith of York 
County. * * 

22c?. * * Went to the State House, as was ap- 
pointed last night, where came on the consideration of the 
Resolves as begun yesterday, the which, after being maturely 
considered and put, were carried by a large majority, except 



112 Marshall's [1776. 

the oath appointed to be taken by every elector before he 
could be suffered to give in his vote for Assembly. This 
was entirely set aside as it then stood. Committees were 
then appointed to go to each county, to carry the proceedings 
and request their concurrence &;c. The meeting then broke up 
peaceably. * * * On the Twenty-first, arrived a schooner 
with twelve hundred bushels of salt, [it's said.] The 
Twenty-second, was sent in here the Brig Sherburne, Capt. 
Burnell, with five hundred and eighty-three barrels of oil, 
being a prize to Brig Hancock, Capt. Newman. An account 
of an engagement on the lakes, the Eleventh instant, and as 
the enemy were vastly superior, our people retreated to 
Crown Point. See particulars, Pennsylvania Journal, 
Numb. 1758. 

October 23f/. * * Near twelve, 1 went to John Lynn's 
by desire of Major Keppele, who, upon account of his late 
marriage had requested sundry persons to come visit, drink 
punch, wine, eat gammon, &c. &c. * * * An account of 
a large ship from London to Quebec, loaded with Lidian 
goods, viz., duffields, strouds, blankets, ammunition, 
&c. &c., taken by one of the Eastern privateers, and said 
ship was arrived at Providence. 

25/A. * * Near three, took a walk to Camping 
town, where was to be a meeting for [the] Northern and 
Southern Districts, to consider how to carry on the election 
on the Fifth [of] next month. Sundries met and agreed 
amicably. * * 

26/A. * * Received this morning of John Nixon, 
by the hands of George Lehman, £353. 25. Qd., on account 
of the Committee of Lispection and Observation for this 
City and Liberties. ^ * 

October 27th. ** About one this morning, alarmed 
by the cry of fire, which proved to be the Prize Ship sent in 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 113 

here by tlie Privateer Wasp, which entirely consumed the 
same with her valuable cargo of sugar, rum, &c. &c. A 
number of valuable prizes appear to be taken by our cruisers 
and safe arrived in sundry ports to the Eastward, among 
which are a ship and a snow, both bound to New York, 
loaded with 56,896 [weight of] bread, 8020 [weight of] 
pork, 256 bushels [of] peas, 257 bushels [of] oatmeal, 
16,000 weight [of] beef, 12,064 weight [of] flour, 4101 
weight of raisins, 165 gallons of oil, 507 gallons of vinegar, 
3500 gallons of spirits, 460 dozen candles ; these aboard the 
snow ; ship, same sorts, but more in quantity. See Evening 
Post, Numb. 267, where is the following extract of a letter 
from Fort Lee, dated 26th instant, viz., " A deserter at head 
quarters informs, that the loss of the enemy on Friday last, 
must have been seven or eight hundred ; that in the cannon- 
ade after the battle, General Howe had his leg very dan- 
gerously shattered by a ball, which killed a soldier who stood 
near him. Last night, a party of rangers, under the com- 
mand of Major Rogers, having advanced towards Mareneck, 
were attacked and defeated by a party of our forces, thirty- 
six were taken prisoners, and the number of the slain is sup- 
posed to be greater, since sixty arms and as many blankets 
were found upon the field. As the corps are composed 
of Tories,* this victory is the more glorious. Our army 
is in hig^h spirits, having outflanked the enemy." 

30^/i. * * Yesterday arrived a Brig, being a 
prize, it's said to [the] Hancock Privateer. Account also 
of some vessels of the enemy's attacking Fort Washington 
on the 28th, but repulsed with great damage unto two of the 
men-of-war. 

* L e. Native American Tories. 
k2 



114 MARSHALL'S [1776. 

October 31s/. * * Past six, I went to [the] Coffee 
House, being invited by letter to meet sundry of our citizens 
to appoint Inspectors and to think of six suitable persons to 
represent this City in General Assembly. This meeting 
was conducted with great unanimity and concord, and the 
proceedings referred to a larger meeting to-morrow evening 
at [the] Philosophical Hall. * * * To-day, were launched 
two ships of war, at Kensington. 

November 1st. * * Sundry pieces of news and intel- 
ligence are in the Evening Post, Numb. 278. * * * Past 
six, went to [the] Philosophical Hall, called by notices. 
Met about forty. I was appointed Chairman, but after some 
conversation on the intent of the meeting, it was concluded, 
as so few attended, to refer the full discussion of affairs 
respecting the appointment of six members of Assembly for 
this City till to-morrow evening, at this place, in hopes a 
larger company woidd attend. * * , 

2d. * * Transcript from Order of Council of 
Safely, dated [the] Thirty-first [of] October last, viz. : 
"Complaint having been made to this Council by Chris- 
topher Elliot, that John Baldwin, of this City, Cordwainer,- 
had refused to receive in payment the Continental Bills of 
Credit, issued by order of Congress, thereupon, the said 
John Baldwin was ordered to appear before this Board, and 
being informed of said complaint, did acknowledge that he 
had refused to receive the said Bills of Credit in payment. 
The Council urged the pernicious and destructive tendency 
of such conduct, and requested him to reconsider it, allow- 
ing him several days to form his judgment and fix his final 
resolution. This day, agreeably to notice given him, he 
again appeared before the Council and declared that he was 
determined not to receive the said Bills in payment, where- 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 115 

upon. Resolved that the said John Baldwin is an * Enemy 
to his country, and precluded from all trade and intercourse 
with the inhabitants of these States :' Resolved that the said 
John Baldwin be committed to jail, there to remain without 
bail or mainprize until he shall be released by order of this 
Council, or some other person lawfully authorised so to do : 
Ordered that these proceedings be made public." * * * 
Went to the Philosophical Hall, as appointed, where a large 
[and] respectable number of citizens were met, and also the 
following gentlemen were scratched for, as members to be 
voted for on the Fifth instant, as Assemblymen in this State 
for this City, viz., George Clymer, Robert Morris, John 
Cadwalader, John Bayard, Michael Shubart, Peter Che- 
valier ; but some altercation happening, and P. C. declining, 
Joseph Parker was chosen by voice. Broke up past nine, 
but, upon motion, it was resolved to answer the request of 
the contrary party by appointing seven members to hear 
what they had to say, and draw up the proceedings of this 
evening and have them printed in handbills and distribute 
through the City before or on the Election Day, signed by 
Samuel Howell, Chairman for this evening. ^ * * (No 
news from camp as yet.) 

November 5th. * * Went past nine to the State House, 
being appointed one of the Judges to superintend and con- 
duct the Election, as is usual. Continued there till near 
two next morning, where all matters in general were con- 
ducted with great harmony and concord in the house ; two 
or three small buffetings, I heard about the door in the street, 
but soon went over. Upon casting up the votes, they turned 
out thus : For Joseph Parker, 682 ; for George Clymer, 
413; for Robert Morris, 410; for Samuel Morris, Jr., 407; 
for John Bayard, 397 ; for Michael Shubart,, 393. These 



116 Marshall's [1776. 

six were the elected members. Those six following had 
votes, each, viz., David Rittenhouse, 278 ; Timothy Mat- 
lack, 268 ; Jonathan B. Smith, 273 ; Jacob Schriner, 269 ; 
Thomas Wharton, Junior, 268 ; Joseph Parker, as above, 
he being chosen by both parties. Votes " For No Coun- 
cillors," 406 ; " For Councillors," 211. * * 

November 6th. * * The members chosen for [the] 
County of Philadelphia, yesterday, were, Robert Know, 
523 ; John Dickinson, 419 ; George Gray, 419 ; T. Potts, 
407 ; Isaac Hughs, 282 ; Frederick A.ntis, 275. " For No 
Councillors," 370; ''For Councillors," 133. SherijETwas 
William Masters, by [a] large majority. For Coroner, 
Robert Jewel. For sundry pieces of material intelligences, 
see Pennsylvania Journal, Numb. 1770. * * 

Sth. * * Past six, went to the Philosophical 
Hall ; called there by notices, to consider a Set of In- 
structions to be handed to a Town Sleeting, which was 
concluded to be called on Third Day next, nine o'clock, 
forenoon, at the State House, there to settle them, in order 
to have ready to present to the members of this City and 
County at their meeting in General Assembly on the Nine- 
teenth instant.-'^' Broke up about nine. * * 

10//i. * * A report prevails to-day that on the 
twenty-eighth, there were killed in that skirmish, of our 
Enemy, one Colonel, eight officers, and a number of pri- 
vates ; and that thirty Hessian Chasseurs came over to our 

* The Constitution of September, 1776, secured to the people of Penn- 
sylvania " The Bight of Instruction'^ in the following words. Chapter I, 
Section 16, The Declaration of Rights. " That the people have a right 
to assemble together to consult for their common good, to instruct their 
Representatives, and to apply to the Legislature for redress of grievances 
by address, petition, or remonstrance." 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 117 

side, and brought with them a three pounder brass piece ; 
and that Gen. Howe had drawn off Ten Thousand of his 
troops, in order to pass at Dobbs's Ferry, and so penetrate 
through the Jerseys to this City, and that Howe's troops had 
indiscriminately plundered on Long Island both Whigs and 
Tories, in particular, Samuel Nottingham, a noted Quaker 
Preacher and Rapelja, who now lies himself in con- 
finement for Toryism, in Connecticut Government. 

November I3th. ^ * For sundry pieces of public oc- 
currences, see Pennsylvania Journal, Numb. 1771. * * 

14:th. * * News to day of Guy Carlton's leav- 
ing Crown Point, on the Second [of] October, and re- 
turning to Canada ; also of the enemy's leaving their lines 
at York Island and embarking, it's said, in three or four 
hundred sail of transports; left Sandy Hook, steering for 
the Southward, and, it's expected, to pay a visit to this City. 
See Evening Post, Numb. 284. 

I5th. * * Handbills were published last night 
by order of Congress and Council of Safety, requesting the 
inhabitants of this State to put themselves in a martial array, 
and march by companies and parts of companies, as they 
could be ready, and march with the utmost expedition to 
this City. * * 

16th, * * Past three, went below the Swedes' 
Church to the launching of one of the galleys called The 

. * * * No news respecting the enemy. 

ISth. * * Account spread to day of Gen. 
Howe's taking Fort Washington, last Seventh Day, in the 
afternoon, but this is not credited but by our enemies, and 
the timorous and faint-hearted amongst us. 

20th. * * The reduction of Fort Washington is 
confirmed by intelligence received by Congress. For this 



118 Marshall's [1776. 

and other pieces of occurrences, see Pennsylvania Journal, 
Numb. 1772. 

November 21s/. * * Visited this morning by Frederick 
Kuhl, on account of Capt. Moebale, a Danish Officer, in 
order to intercede with Col. Hancock for a Captaincy in 
the Marines. * * 

22(?. * * News last night of Sykes's new 
brig, and, it's said, two other provision vessels, taken and 
carried into New York by our British enemies. Four or 
five sea vessels came up to-day ; there is some salt in one 
of them. * * * Express~just brought account of the 
enemy's taking Fort Lee on the Twenty-First instant, by 
surprise, our people being careless. * * * One of those 
sea vessels, arrived this forenoon, it's said, is a large ship, 
a Prize from the Montgomery Privateer, but from where 
did not learn. 

23rf. * * This was also the stormy day, raised 
through James West. 

26/A- * * On the twenty-fourth was brought 
in, a Prize, the Ship lately commanded by Samuel Rich- 
ardson. She was taken on her voyage from Barbadoes to 
Liverpool, by the Continental Sloop Independence, Capt. 
Young; was mounted with four guns and had on board 
Twenty Thousand [Dollars], two tons and a half of ivory, 
one hundred bars of iron. 

27/A. * ^ News to day is, that the enemy 
intends to make a push for Philadelphia. It's said, part of 
their force is embarked, either to go up the Delaware and 
make their attack at both sides at once, or else to amuse the 
Southern States and prevent their sending any assistance to 
Philadelphia. See Pennsylvania Journal, Numb. 1773. 



4. 



1776.J REMEMBRANCER. 119 

November 28th, * * This morning a large and re- 
spectable company met at the State House to consider the 
present alarming affairs of the State. It's said General 
Mifflin spoke animatedly pleasing, which gave great satisfac- 
tion. * * 

SOth. * * No news from camp this day, as I 
could learn, but there is an account of two very valuable 
prizes' Ijping carried into some port to the Eastward. * * 

December 2d. * * This City alarmed with the news 
of Howe's army's being at Brunswick, proceeding for this 
place. Drums beat: a martial appearance : the shops shut : 
and all business except preparing to disappoint our enemies 
laid aside. I went to [the] Coffee House ; then to children's ; 
then home ; then back to the Coffee House and other parts 
of the City ; then home ; dined there. Our people then 
began to pack up some things, wearing and bedding, to send 
to the place. After dinner, I went to [the] State House ; 
conversed with Jacobs, Speaker of Assembly, with Robert 
Whitehill, J. Dickinson, Gen. Mifflin, &;c. To [the] Coffee 
House ; then home ; drank tea ; then down town. Ac- 
counts brought that General Lee was near our army with 
ten thousand men. Various but great appearances of our 
people's zeal. Came home near nine ; then went down 
again as far as the children's. Some gondolas gone up for 
Trenton and some companies marched. 

Sd. * * One gondola just gone past for 
Trenton ; some troops in motion ; after dinner * * * 
[The] Light Horse and some of the Militia went out of town. 
Numbers of famihes loading wagons with their furniture, 
&c., taking them out of town. * * * Drank tea at home ; 
then went with a number of deeds to son Christopher's ; put 



120 Marshall's 1776.] 

them into his iron chest. * * * No news to be depended 
upon this day. 

December 4th. * * Great numbers [of] people moving, 
and militia, with Proctor's company and two field pieces, 
wagons, &c. No news to be depended upon but that one 
hundred and fifty sail of vessels left New York last First 
Day, but not known by us whither, and that General Lee, 
with ten thousand men, was within a few miles o^ the re- 
gulars. 

bth. * * After dinner, went in company with 
Paul Fooks, Thomas Smith, and Leonard Keassler, a beg- 
ging for old clothes for the naked soldiers coming from camp. 
In the evening, sent for by Council of Safety. 1 waited on 
them. It was to request I would join with some other citi- 
zens in providing necessaries for the sick and needy soldiers 
returning from the camp. I readily agreed. 

6/^. * * Dined at home ; afterwards went in 
[the] chair with my son to the Bettering House, having sent 
some of the sick there, in order to provide for their reception ; 
thence to sundry places in the City, as the sick came in very 
fast this day. * * 

7th. * * To sundry places with some of my 
brethren, to place the returning soldiers in separate houses 
and send the very sick and weak to the Bettering House ; 
providing also fire wood and straw with sundries at the dif- 
ferent places. * * 

Sth. * * Went to our office, appointed in Richard 
Willing's house, in Second Street ; came home to dinner ; 
then went back to the said place in order to provide and give 
necessary directions for the sick soldiers, &c. News brought 
of General Howe's intentions of bringing his army by land 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 121 

through the Jerseys to this City. Martial Law declared, 
and Gen. Putnam constituted chief ruler in this Province.* 

December 9th. * * All shops ordered to be shut ; the 
Militia to march into the Jerseys ; all in hurry and confu- 
sion ; News that Gen. Howe is on his march ; attend at 
our office the sick soldiers, &;c. 

loth. * * Our people in confusion, of all ranks, 
sending all their goods out of town into the country. News 
brought that our army had sent their heavy baggage from 
Trenton [to] this side of the river ; the enemy advancing 
in great order, and was at Brunswick. This day, attended 
forenoon and afternoon [at] the aforesaid office. Great 
numbers of sick soldiers arriving into the town. 

llth. * * Further accounts of the rapid progress 
of Gen. Howe. Our Congress leaves this City for Balti- 
more. The militia going out fast for Trenton : streets full 
of wagons, going out with goods. * * 

12th. * * News that Howe's Light Horse were 
at Princeton, and that Gen. Washington, with all his 
troops, had come over [the] Delaware. Attended forenoon 
and afternoon at [the] office ; numbers of sick soldiers 
arriving. * * * We sent one wagon load of household 
goods to the Trap, as did my sons to a place near. 

ISth. * * Accounts of Howe's army's coming 
into Trenton, and part of them going [to] and received into 
Burlington by the Friends there. The Friends here moved 
but little of their goods, as they seem to be satisfied that if 
Gen. Howe should take this City, as many here imagined 
that he would, their goods and property would be safe ; 
other people still sending their goods. * * 

* Sec Appendix (E.) 



122 Marshall's [1776. 

December I4th. * * Alarming and fresh accounts of 
Howe*s near approach; people hurrying out of town. * * 

I6th. * * Accounts that Howe's troops had at- 
tempted to cross our river, at several places and several 
times, but always repulsed, so that he could not effect it. 
Oar troops increasing and in high spirits. 

16^/i. * * Much the same as yesterday, except 
an account that Gen. Lee was taken prisoner through 
treachery. * * 

17th. * * Accounts that Howe's army were re- 
turning back to Brunswick, and that many of our citizens 
were in his camp, having deserted over to him. 

18^^ * * Great numbers of the Country Militia 
coming in to go to join Gen. Washington's army. * * * 
News that our army intended to cross at Trenton into the 
Jerseys. 

19 th * * Numbers of Country Militia coming 
into town. A large number of our troops left this City to 
join some in the Jerseys, in order to pursue and attack a 
number of Hessian troops, who, it's said, had come as far 
as Moorestown, this side of Mount Holly, in the Jerseys. 
It's said that the Generals Sullivan and Gates had joined 
General Washington's army, and that the enemy were forti- 
fying Bordentown. 

20th. * * Waited on Gen. Putnam respecting 
firewood's being cut for the soldiery, as little came now by 
water. * * * No news stirring to be depended on. 

2lst. * * Past nine, went to our office, thence I 
waited upon Gen. Putnam ; then back to the office ; past 
twelve, waited upon [the] Council of Safety, respecting 
their sending hands to cut firewood for the troops in and 
about the City. * * * News brought that a ship from 



1776.] REMEMBRANCER. 123 

England mounting eighteen guns, having fifty-odd officers 
and two Generals sent to replace all officers here in Ame- 
rica that were Parliament men, who were sent for home, 

was taken by , Capt. , one of our Continental ships 

and carried into . Great numbers of our Country 

Militia are daily arriving in this City. This day the Ame- 
rican Crisis, No. 1., written by T. Paine, was published. 

22d, * * No news I heard to day from camp, 
(nor no account of Poll as yet.) 

2Sd. * * With Dr. Allison to College, some of 
the Country Militia being quartered there. * * * Yester- 
day, it's said, the Brig Andrew Doria, arrived from Saint 
Eustatia, with goods on account of Congress. It's said she 
has taken two or three prizes, not arrived ; that she ran 
through the several men-of-war now lying in our Capes. 

25th. * * This day, numbers of men came m 
from [the] back counties, and a detachment of Three Thou- 
sand, with Gen. Putnam, was agreed upon to leave this City 
and pass into the Jerseys to-morrow morning. The men 
were in high spirits. * * 

2Gth. * * Waited upon General Putnam respect- 
ing some orders for sick soldiers ; thence to [the] Council 
of Safety, on account of the Commissary's refusing to grant 
rations to poor sick soldiers, coming to town without their 
officers. * * 

27th. * * News brought this day of our troops 
under Gen. Washington's attacking Trenton yesterday 
morning, having beat the enemy and drove them out of 
town ; and that this day were landed in this Province from 
thence, Nine Hundred and eighteen Hessians ; one Colonel, 
two Lieut. Colonels, Three Majors, Four Captains, Eight 
Lieutenants, Twelve Ensigns, Two Surgeon's mates, Ninety 



124 Marshall's [1776. 

nine Sergeants, Twenty-five drummers, nine musicians, five 
servants, seven hundred and forty-five privates ; One thou- 
sand stand of arms, and six brass field pieces, twelve six 
and four pounders, three standards, &c., with all the ammu- 
nition for the six brass field pieces. 

December 2Sth. * * To [the] Council of Safety, 
in order to procure wood for the Associators' wives, gone 
to camp. Got an order for Wm. Coates, tanner, to supply 
them. * * * The news of yesterday confirmed, and that 
our militia crossed the river into the Jerseys yesterday, and 
that the Hessian prisoners are expected from Newtown, 
Bucks County, into this City to-morrow. This morning, 
Capt. Proctor's company, with two field pieces, ammunition 
and baggage, left this City for head quarters in Bucks 
County or elsewhere, as did some hundreds of country 
miUtia. It's said Three Thousand went for camp yesterday, 
headed by Gen. Putnam, all in high spirits and warm 
clothing. 

SOth. ^ * Near eleven, the Hessian prisoners, 
to the amount of nine hundred, arrived in this City, and 
made a poor, despicable appearance. Numbers of the 
militia, with three field pieces, crossed our river from this 
City to-day, and many of the prisoners taken on Long 
Island, returned to this City very poorly and weak. It's 
said they were allowed but half allowance by Gen. Howe 
during their imprisonment. * * 

31s^. * * More of our poor prisoners coming 
into town. * * * More Hessian prisoners, with the officers, 
came to town this evening from the Jerseys. 



f 



1777.] REMEMBRANCER. 125 

1777. 

January 1st. * * More Hessians and their officers, 
with many of their wounded, brought to town this day and 
evening. 

2nd. * * A number of sick soldiers arrived from 
New York, being discharged by Gen. Howe, after a tedious 
imprisonment, being starved by the enemy. * * * To the 
office after presenting, by request, to [the] Council of Safety, 
a petition to them respecting a testimony put forth by the 
meeting of sufferings, the twentieth [of] last month, signed 
by J. * * p. * * 

Srd. * * News flying about of an engagement 
between our forces and those of the enemy at Trenton. 
This raises the spirits of the Tory party, who are in great 
expectation of Howe's success. Published this day the Re- 
solve of Congress and Council of Safety, respecting the 
establishing of the Continental Currency. 

Ath. * * The news of the day, and confirmed 
by express, it's said, just arrived at nine at night, is that Gen. 
Washington occupied part of Trenton, and Howe the other 
with the main body of the British army. Our General 
being informed of Gen. Howe's advancing with four thou- 
sand men, went privately at midnight in order to intercept 
Howe, and meeting with him at Maidenhead, an enf^a<re. 
ment ensued early in the morning, when the enemy, stand- 
ing a smart fire for half an hour, gave way, when Gen. 
Washington pursued them to Princeton, when the Forti(Hh 
Regiment took refuge in the College, which our General 
summoned to surrender, or else he would fire the buildinir 
and burn them in it; upon which they all surrendered. 
They likewise took three hundred prisoners on the road 

SI 



126 Marshall's [1777. 

with eight field pieces, &c. He also sent off two brigades 
to the relief of that part of his army he left behind him to 
amuse the main body of the enemy at Trenton, which 
decamped as soon as they heard of Gen. Washington's 
victory, and filed off towards Pennytown. Thanks to God 
for this victory ! 

January 5th. * * Yesterday Gen. Putnam left this 
city for the camp with five hundred men, and Gen. Irving 
is to have command of this city in his absence. It's further 
said that Gen, Washington is appointed sole dictator for the 
space of six months. 

7th. * * The gondolas returned to this city and 
brought some Tory prisoners with them, taken in the 
Jerseys. It was the severe freezing upwards that brought 
the gondolas down. 

Qth. * * This afternoon, were brought to town, 
between seventy and eighty English prisoners, (among whom 
it's said were some of their Light Horse,) who were sent to 
our new prison. * * 

10th. * * It's said that Col. Scott has taken 
sixty or seventy Highlanders with a great many baggage- 
wagons, and that part of Col. Smith's riflemen had taken 
twenty-seven Tories (killed seven) with four baggage- 
wagons loaded with plunder, part of which, to the value of 
Seven or Eight Hundred Pounds' worth, they sold at Bur- 
lington yesterday. The remainder was brought this day to 
the city with the prisoners. * * 

I2th. * * This morning all the officers and 
soldiers belonging both to the Continental army [and] the 
troops of this State or militia (Col. Fleming's Regiment 
from Virginia excepted) now in this city, were, by order 
from the General yesterday, to assemble in the barrack- 



1777.] REMEMBRANCER. 127 

yard at ten o'clock, with their arms and accoutrements, 
under pain of being severely punished for neglect. The 
troops are to draw three days' provisions this day, which 
are to be immediately cooked. For what end this manoeuvre 
is intended, is a profound secret to the public. By accounts 
from the Jerseys, we hear that a body of militia of that 
State, under Gen. Maxwell, attacked and defeated one Regi- 
ment of Highlanders, and one of Hessian troops, at Spank's 
town on this day was a week. * * 

January ISih. * * A number of Hessians, Wal- 
deckers, &c., prisoners, came to town this evening. * * 

14:ih. * * A number of sick soldiers coming in. 
Visited to-day by Dr. Shippen, Jr., who being chief physi- 
cian for the army here, proposed the taking of the sick 
soldiers from the sundry houses in this city, where they 
are now placed, into the House of Employment to- 
morrow. This proposal I communicated to the Council of 
Safety, (who had requested me to take charge of the sick 
soldiers about a month past,) in order for their determina- 
tion, but received no answer this evening, as they were 
very busy. * * 

15th. * * To the Treasurer Nesbit's and Co. 
Received Five Hundred Pounds, by order of [the] Com- 
mittee of Safety, for the relief of the sick soldiers. * * 

16tk. * * This morning marched out the Vir- 
ginia Ninth Regiment for the Camp. * * * Just come to 
town * * * a number of Light Horse from Virginia. I 
counted with officers seventy men, well accoutred. About 
noon was brought to town, a number of prisoners. * * * 
This afternoon, was buried from the City Tavern, Gen. 
Mercer (who died in Princeton of the wounds received there 
the third instant) with all the honours of war, on the south 



128 Marshall's [1777. 

side of Christ Church Yard, his body having been brought 
to town the Fifteenth instant for that purpose. * * 

January \lth, * * After breakfast, went to the office, 
where the members present last night, met and agreed to 
send two members with our application to the Council of 
Safety. The members were Thomas Leach and William 
Ball, who brought for answer to us that we should proceed 
in our appointment as before, without paying any regard to 
Dr. Wm. Shippen's notices, &c., upon which we resumed 
our former care and regard to the sick soldiers and prisoners. 
This forenoon, Capt. Wm. Shippen was interred with mili- 
tary honours in St. Peter's Church Yard, he being killed in 
the engagement the third instant, with Gen. Mercer, and 
brought to this city with him, to be buried here with his 
family. * * * Set to cut some sheets of Continental money 
as I had done some evenings before, for the convenience of 
having cash to defray [the] expenses of the office, and to 
supply, in part, the wants of the wives of the Associators 
of Captains Bower's and Brewster's companies, now in the 
Jerseys. * * • 

18^^. * * This day sundry troops left the city 
for the camp; also it's said that fourteen hundred mili- 
tia men arrived in this city from Maryland and our back 
counties, as did a number of sick soldiers from New York. 
Yesterday was published the second number of the Ame- 
rican Crisis, by Common Sense, author of the first. Sun- 
dry pieces of news to-day, but none to be depended upon 
from the camp, except that Gen. Washington had his head- 
quarters at Morristown, and Gen. Sullivan with his advanced 
guard at Chatham, about five miles distance, and that Gen. 
Howe was at Amboy and the heights of Brunswick wfth 
his army, and had sent Gen. Lee prisoner with a very 



1777.] REMEMBRANCER* 129 

strong guard, consisting of all his light-horse and infantry 
from the latter to the former, three days ago. * * 

January 19ZA. * * This week past, went out of 
this city, three or four companies of the Virginia light-horse, 
commanded by sundry captains, for our camp at Morris- 
town. * * 

2^tli, * * A number of the militia came to the 
city to-day from [the] country, as did some, say two com- 
panies, of light-horse from Virginia. In the evening were 
brought thirteen Tories, it's said from Crosswicks in the 
Jerseys, under a guard. * * 

2l5^. * * Deal of floating ice in the river so as 
to prevent the plunder of a number of Tories in the Jerseys 
(part of which, it's said, to the amount of thirty-seven 
wagons, is arrived at Wm. Cooper's ferry, &C.5) from being 
brought over to this city. * * * It's said that several hun- 
dred soldiers arrived in town from the lower parts of this 
Province and Maryland, and that several more Tories are 
brought in this day from the Jerseys, among whom is Col. 
Charles Read, f 

22nd, About twelve came into town from 
Morristown in the Jerseys, the Second Battalion of City 
Militia, commanded by Col. Bayard, with their baggage 
wagons, &;c. * * * A number of troops from the back parts 
came to town this day, it's said, eight hundred ; as did also 
Gen. Thomas Mifflin from the camp. It is said that Gen. 
M^Dougall, with a detachment of about fifteen hundred 
New Englandmen, has taken possession of Fort Washing- 
ton. The number of [the] garrison who are prisoners of 
war is trifling, but the military stores are considerable. 

t From the twenty-first of January to the early part of April, Mr. 
Marshall was confined to his house by a severe attack of illness. 



130 Marshall's [1777, 

January 2Srd. * * Accounts from the army are that 
within these three or four days, there have been several 
skirmishes in the East Jerseys, in which our troops have 
always beat the enemy. About three miles up the Raritan 
from Brunswick, a party of our army attacked a large body 
of the enemy and took near six hundred head of cattle, 
upwards of fifty wagons, fifty or sixty butts and casks of 
oil, and a number of English horses of the dray breed, 
which were so emaciated that they were scarce able to 
walk. 

2Uk. * * Last evening, came from the camp, the 
Light Infantry of [the] First Battalion of City Militia, also 
were brought the remains of Ensign Antony Morris, Junr., 
who was killed at Princeton, bravely supporting the cause of 
Liberty and Freedom ; buried this afternoon in Friends' 
burial ground in a very heavy shower of rain, and without 
military honours, it being the request of his relations to the 
General that he should be so interred. This morning, came 
to town, three or four of our field pieces with the train. In 
the afternoon also arrived from twenty to twenty-five of our 
City Light Horse, being dismissed from camp with the 
thanks of Gen. Washington, as part of the Virginians had 
joined him, and one company of the said corps arrived in 
this city yesterday on their way to Gen. Washington's 
camp. * * * It is again asserted for a fact that New 
York was taken last Thursday night by the Continental 
army. * * 

25th. * * Great quantities of backwoodsmen 
coming to town this day ; so many that with what were 
here before, an order was issued for the billeting of them in 
the non-associators' houses, which was put into execution 
in our part of the City. This day, some companies of 



1777.] REMEMBRANCER. 131 

troops left this City for the Jerseys, as yesterday did the 
Virginia Light Horse for the camp. This afternoon was 
interred in the [old Presbyterian] burial ground [Col. John 
Haselet of the Lower Counties] with military honours, at- 
tended, it's said, by great numbers of people of different 
ranks. This afternoon, set out for Easton, the Commis- 
sioners appointed to confer with the different tribes of In- 
dians to be assembled there, on a treaty. 

January 2Qlh. * * N. B. The Lottery for these 
States began selling their tickets this day for the First 
Class. * * 

SOth. * * The accounts of the . cruelty and 
wantonness of our enemies, the English, could scarcely be 
believed, were they not authenticated by proper witnesses ; 
another instance of which is the news of the day, that being 
in possession of Rhode Island (a town of about seven hun- 
dred houses,) and which made no resistance, yet after 
plundering the inhabitants indiscriminately, Tory and Whig, 
[they] set it on fire and consumed it. Further particulars 
expected. * * 

February 1st. * * This day was published the King 
of Britain's Speech to both Houses of his Parliament, dated 
October 21st, 1776, (No Poll.) For public occurrences, 
See Evening Post, Numb. 308. 

Ath. * * This day was published the Law of 
our Assembly enforcing the Continental Currency and the 
Bills of Credit emitted by Resolves of the late Assembly, 
making them a legal tender, and for other purposes therein 
mentioned. 

6th. * * The news of the day, as I am in- 
formed, is the electing of five members by our Assembly 



132 MARSHALL'S [l777. 

to represent this State in Congress. The gentlemen elected 
were Dr. Franklin, Robert Morris, William Moore, Jona- 
than B. Smith and Gen. Roberdeau. * * 

February 1th. * * A number of troops from the back 
counties, Maryland, &c., which were placed in Non-Asso- 
ciators' houses in different proportions, as to the fitness of 
their houses. * * 

IQth. * * Account is that six or seven sail of 
trading vessels are in the river, amongst which [are] two 
from [the] French West Indies with sundry passengers, 
&c. ; one a prize from our Privateer Rattlesnake. 

20//i. * * Thomas Salter came and paid me, 
as I think, a religious visit, as our conversation turned upon 
that point calmly and soberly till near dusk. * * 

2\st. * * On the Fourteenth instant, the follow- 
ing persons were elected at the State House, Thomas Whar- 
ton, Jr., Councillor, and Col. Bull, Col. Moore, Major Lollar 
and Col. Coates, members of Assembly for Philadelphia 
County. It's said the Hon. John M'Kinley is appointed 
Governor and Commander in Chief in the Delaware 
State. * * 

22^26?. * * Gen. Farmoah, French officer, came 
to town some days past, and amongst other things informed 
P. Fooks, that some days past Gen. Howe sent a flag to 
Gen. Washington, proposing a cessation of arms for three 
months. Gen. Washington answered he could not grant it, 
as he was prepared and ready to receive him in battle, when 
he pleased. * * 

2^rd, * * I am informed that yesterday after- 
noon Major S * * and near sixty-six Tories were brought 
from the Jerseys into this City, under a strong guard (some 



1777.] KEMEMBKAIYCER. 133 

of them in irons) and confined in the New Jail. Our As- 
sembly have appointed James Wilson, Delegate to Congress 
in addition to our members, and George Clymer as Delegate 
in the stead of Wm. Moore, who resigned. * * 

February 21th. * * This day, it's said, were brought 
to this City, six brass field pieces with their proper appen- 
dages, that were taken from the Hessians at Trenton in 
December last. * * 

March Srd to 1th. * * I was severely handled by a 
pleuritic pain in my right side. This continued both day 
and night for the whole of this week. I was blooded, blis- 
tered on my side, some nights could not lie down, but 
obliged to sit up all night, yet to the praise of God be it 
spoken, his Good Spirit wonderfully assisted me under this 
grievous affliction, so that I comforted myself in the hea- 
venly support, I now witnessed to be daily administered. 
Blessed be thy name, Amen. 

9th to 2lst. * * Exceeding weak, so that I was 
scarcely able at times to read. I was generally more or 
less visited every day by numbers of acquaintances, but in 
particular by Whitehill, Bonham, Thorn, Foster, and also 
by Paul Fooks, this being the first of his going out. Thus 
I have been visited by this disorder, which brought me 
on through length of time down to this day by weak- 
ness, so low, that death appeared at times not far oflf", yet 
through the mercy of our great God, and through the vigi- 
lance, industry and care of my wife (who really has been 
and is a blessing unto me) I still live, to his eternal praise, 
in hopes I may dedicate the remainder of life unto his honour 
and praise, who has thus preserved me, to whom be glory 
now and forever more, Amen. 



134 Marshall's [1777. 

March ^\st. * * This day was hanged Molesworth, 
being convicted of treasonable practices against this State, f 
April 1th. * * Eat breakfast soon, as my wife was 
getting ready to go a journey with my son Christoplier as 
far as Lancaster, in order to view a house and lot that were 
to bn sold by Col. Cox, in order for me and family to remove 
there as I am so poorly in my health, and to be out of the 
difTicultics, should this City be invaded, as I was not capa- 
ble of rendering any assistance. They went away on 
horseback about eleven o'clock. * * 

13^^. * * Account came of Ship [Morris] from 
France's being chased by three men of war for a whole day. 
[The Captain] finding he could not get clear ran her aground 
and blew her up, after securing all her papers and crew. 
But Captain Anderson himself staying too long was lost 
with the ship. [Account by] express from Lewistown to- 
day, that left it yesterday, of the Roebuck and two other 
ships' standing up the Bay. By an order of Congress in 
conjunction with [the] board of war, a number of persons 
in each ward were appointed and went upon duty this day 
through this City to take account of all provisions of every 
sort, with rum, wine, sugar, spirits, &c. 

lUh. * * I had my books that I sent to College 
last fall, brought home this day. It's said that nine men of 
war are in the river. 

16^/^. * * Near five came Paul Fooks, Dr. Phyle 
and Col. John Cox, who brought the Deeds for the house in 
Lancaster, and executed his to me, for which I then paid 
him, he then promising to acknowledge the same with his 



t See the Life of Gen. Joseph Reed, for a full acpount of this person, j 

i 



! 



1777.] REMEMBRANCER. 135 

wife, when she came to town, of which he desired those 
gentlemen to take notice and remember this his promise. 

June 6th. * * Paid John Whitchill £48 for hauling 
five loads of goods to Lancaster ; two from Philadelphia, 
three from the Trap. 

Olh. * * This afternoon severe thunder struck 
the steeple of Christ Church ; carried away some parts of 
the ornaments of the Crown on the top of the rods. 

lC)th. * * All this day at Benjamin's * * * 
Kitty and Charles both gone to town on the news of the 
enemy's marching from Brunswick in two divisions, &c. 

27 tk. * * Arrived at our house in Lancaster 
near seven. I was really tired, the road so hilly and stony, 
and I being so poorly. 

JuIt/ Wth. * * Sundry Philadelphians, who moved 
here last winter to live, have returned back with their fami» 
lies this week ; not pleased. 

13//j. * * We have had some difficulties to en- 
counter here, as the people here have taken offence against 
the Philadelphians, who some of them, have not behaved 
prudently, so that at last the country folks would scarcely 
bring them any thing to market. But I'm in hopes, as some 
are gone and some more going, that the harmony that once 
subsisted will return again. I've not been able to get a load 
of hay or of wood, as yet, nor pasture for my horse. Had 
not my wife bought a load in the spring, and we sent some 
bushels of oats stowed in our bacon, he must have suffered, 
but we have a lot adjoining to us; though small, it serves 
to turn him in just to stretch his legs. A bushel of bran 
or shorts can't be procured, but [I] am in hopes after har- 
vest, we shall get supplied, as I intend to visit some of the 
farmers. I just give this note by way of memento, to 



^0 /r^ 

136 MARSH all'8 [1777* 

remember some of our difficulties. Yet I must say that the 
people of note, that I have had the pleasure of seeing and 
conversing with, have behaved extremely polite and kind to 
me, and some of the females have come and visited my wife 
and more have promised. 

July lAih, I went this morning and visited several of 
our Philadelphia friends, and at the same time in company 
with our friend George Schlosser, reminded them, as well 
as some of our Lancaster friends, whom we visited, of the 
distress poor Dr. Young (deceased)'s family was left in, 
most of whom, to their honor be it remembered, gave me 
what they thought proper, in order for me to remit it for 
their relief, the which I accepted and kindly thanked them 
on the family's behalf. * * * This day, Dr. Kennedy sent 
me two wagon loads of firewood, he calls them cords. I 
let him have two entirely new Octavo volumes of Brooks' 
Practice of Physick, for which he is to pay me when I set- 
tle for this wood and what more he brings me. * * 

26th. * * At breakfast, received an affectionate 
letter from son Christopher, giving particular account of 
the situation of all their families. The account afforded us 
comfort and satisfaction. In it [he] informed [me that] 
brown sugars were raised in town to £30 per hundred, 
requesting that if I could get at 45. per lb. I would get one 
hundred weight ; on which I went to town, but the news of 
the prices had reached some here. However, I got, after 
traversing about, a neat hundred at 4s. per pound, and thirty 
pounds extraordinary at 55. per pound. * * 

29th. * * After dinner, went to visit sundry town's 
people, also to hear what news from Philadelphia, as several 
persons from there this day or two past had reported that 
Gen. Howe with the English fleet was expected there daily, 



< 



• 



1777.] REMEMBRANCER. 137 

nay, that the fleet was really in the Delaware river. These 
reports gave great uneasiness respecting our friends there, 
but I could find nothing further as no express here was 
yet arrived. 

July SOtk, * * There has been for these two weeks 
past in agitation by the friends of the States of America in 
this place, a plan in order to form a Society under the name 
of the Civil Society, in order to assist the present plan of 
government, whereby each member will be called upon to 
take the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance or leave the 
State. This meets great opposition from a Junto, who call 
themselves Moderate men, and [maintain] that no man 
should be compelled to be honest. 

3l5^. * * Advice by express yesterday from 
Philadelphia, was that one division of the enemy's fleet was 
seen off our capes, steering for them ; that Congress had 
demanded Four Thousand Militia from the States to join the 
Continental Army, which was marching towards Philadel- 
phia in three divisions, one by Reading, one by Trenton 
ferry, but the main body with Gen. Washington to Corryell's 
ferry, to join as occasionally. * * 

August 1st. * * I afterwards spent some time in reli- 
gious conversation with a Menonist Preacher at Dr. Neff''s. 
In the afternoon I was visited by another named Benja. 
Ereson, Jr., who brought me their Confession of Faith to 
peruse. * * * No news of any moment by the post last 
night, except that the enemy was seen off the Capes, that 
Philadelphia was pretty quiet, and the Militia all ready to 
turn out. Brown Sugar at 75. per pound. * * * News that 
some of the enemy's ships were got to Reedy Island ; 
whether true or not remains doubtful. 



138 Marshall's [1777. 

August 2nd. Just heard from [a] passenger in the Stage 
Wagon arrived last night, who left Philadelphia Fifth Day 
morningjf that the alarm guns were fired as they came away, 
and the citizens in great hurry and bustle. * * * Express 
arrived to-day for six hundred wagons to go directly 
for Philadelphia, and for the Lieutenant of the County to 
have the militia ready for marching, as two hundred and 
fifty sail of vessels were seen off our Light House, standing 
in for the Capes, 

Srd. * * It's said that news is come from 
Philadelphia that Howe's fleet has entirely left the Bay, and 
gone they don't know where. 

Ath. * * Came back before dinner. I was much 
disturbed after I came, our girl Poll driving her same 
stroke of imprudence as when she was in Philadelphia, and 
her mistress so hoodwinked by her as not to see it, which 
gave me much uneasiness, and which I am determined not 
to put up with. * * 

5t?t. * * No news but that in short, the Ene- 
my on the Thirty-first was off our Capes, but suddenly 
moved away ; that Gen. Washington with some of his 
troops was in Philadelphia, but most of them at German- 
town and the Falls ; the militia in motion in order to give 
the enemy, if they came up the river, which had been sus- 
pected, a warm reception ; every thing of clothing and 
eatables extremely dear. In the evening I went down into 
town ; learned that the County Court was opened this day 
in a very regular manner, and the business conducted 
decently. * * 



i Thursday, July 31st. The Stage Wagon was two days traveling 
sixty miles. 



• r 



1777.] REMEMBRANCER. 139 

August 8th. * * Our Court broke up yesterday with 
great decorum. * * 

14th. * * News from Pittsburgh by express this 
day from Gen. Hand, that the fort was like to be invested 
by three thousand Canadians, Indians, Regulars, &c., and 
that we had but eighty men in [the] fort, and about eight 
hundred could be collected soon. * * 

15th, * * To writing, being engaged at times 
for this week past in correcting the Annuals of the Brethren 
at Ephrata, left with me by Peter Miller and Obed 
when here to visit me. * * 

2Dih. * * I gave to James Cannon, to carry to 
the Widow Young, the donations I collected in this place, 
which, with my own, amounted to Seventeen Pounds, six 
shillings. * * 

21st. * * I was at Dr. NefF's, where James 
Webb, a mason, came for some medicine, who related that 
about four years ago, about six in the morning, he saw in 
the sky before the door the likeness of a great snake with- 
out a head, who shaking his tail made all about there to 
tremble, and that at [the] same time fiery balls were seen 
to fly about at Germantown. f This he interpreted was our 
present war, which we carried on without any head, and so 
we should come to nothing. This afternoon I finished my 
correcting of the manuscript or History of the Brethren at 
Ephrata, containing four hundred and eighty-eight quarto 
pages. N. B, The said Webb asserted that our present 
Assembly were not regularly chosen, as they were voted in 
by a parcel of soldiery and apprentice boys : therefore, their 
laws were not worth regarding. 

t See Appendix F. 



140 Marshall's [1777. 

August 22?id. * * Went and agreed with Joseph Wal- 
ter, the barber, to call and shave me twice a week at thirty- 
six shillings a year. * * * This day, it's said, that Capt. 
M<=Cullough has taken upon him to examine all strangers 
passing through here respecting taking the test, which 
several complied with and took the same, but John Hollings- 
head refused, for which he was committed to the Jail of 
Lancaster. No news yet from Howe. * * 

2Srd. * * By express last night the militia 
on their march down were countermanded, on account of 
the Indians' breaking in on the frontiers. * * * In the even- 
ing came George Schlosser and Benja. Harbeson, who 
brought account of the defeat of Lieut. Ool. Bern by Gen. 
Stark on the sixteenth instant, who commanded a body of 
mostly militia, who wholly routed his army and took a great 
number of prisoners. For particulars, see Pennsylvania 
Journal, Numb. 1804. * * 

24ith, * * Sent our negro woman and girl Poll 
to Friends' Meeting. Wife and I stayed at home to keep 
the boys out of the orchard. After dinner I took a walk 
with Capt. Markoe to the barracks ; stayed there till the 
English, Scotch and Irish prisoners, to the number of two 
hundred, marched out under a strong guard to Reading. * * 

25tk. * * To [the] barracks ; waited till our 
division of Hessian prisoners, consisting of three hundred 
and forty-five, marched out under a strong guard (with some 
women and baggage wagons, as the prisoners yesterday 
had done,) for Lebanon. * * 

26ih. * * News that Gen. Washington, with 
half his army and light horse, passed through Philadelphia 
[on] First Day morning, on their way for Wilmington, and 
that Howe, with his fleet, was seen off Eagle Point, but had" 



1777.] REMEJIBRA-NCER. 141 

not landed. On First Day morning, [the] bellman went 
round this town, calling upon the inhabitants that had Hes- 
sian prisoners, to take them to the barracks and receive 
receipts for them, but very few obeyed. * * 

August 27th. * * News this morning is that Howe 
had landed his men about eight miles from the Head of Elk. 
It's said that he sent one of his men to this town for a Hes- 
sian man and woman, by name ; that he found them last 
night, and they three set out for his camp this morning. 
This made some people here uneasy, as they were not sent 
after, but as no horse could be found, Capt. Markoe lent his 
horse, without bridle and saddle. (It's from him I had this 
relation this morning.) A parcel of Hessian prisoners sent 
off this day under guard for Lebanon. * * 

28tk. * *' News brought that the persons sent 
after, the Captain and the man, were overtaken and brought 
back. I then went into town just as Samuel Henry, Wil- 
liam Atlee [and] Michael Hubley, were going to the prison 
to examine them. These gentlemen invited Capt. Markoe 
and myself to attend them, which we did, when on the 
examination, both Hewey, the pretended officer, and 

Wood, pleaded innocency, and as their examination 
was written and the reasons for apprehending them also, the 
which was immediately sent to Gen. Washington at head 
quarters, their trial was postponed till an answer comes from 
the General, and they were Ordered in the mean time to be 
confined apart. * * 

29th. * * Yesterday there went from this town 
under guard, three hundred and sixty-five Hessian prisoners 
for Carlisle and adjacent places. 

SOth. * * A great stir this morning in town, 
occasioned by some [men] of Col. White, of the Georgia 



142 Marshall's [1777. 

Regiment's robbing him last night. They were pursued 
and taken. Part of the cash was recovered, but his trunk, 
with all his papers, more money, his commission, &c., not 
to be found, though searched after all this day. * * * In 
the evening we again went into town to hear news, but none 
for certain, but that the enemy was in possession of Coecil 
Court House and Head of Elk ; that our army was at Chris- 
tiana, but that our Light Horse had been down to visit them, 
had a skirmish and taken some few prisoners. * * 

August 3l5i. * * News of the day, little ; that Howe 
was getting his men on shore at Elk ; that thirty deserters 
had come over to us ; that in some skirmishes, our people 
had taken about forty prisoners j that Gen. Washington was 
at Wilmington. * * * No further news, but that a number 
of wagons, with the Congress materials of printing, press, 
types, &c., were just arrived from Baltimore. * * 

September 6ih. * * This afternoon, the two thieves, 
who stole Col. White's cash and trunk, were marched about 
a mile and a half out of town, in order, it's said, to be 
hanged, but upon the Colonel's lady's intercession, it's said, 
they were pardoned from death, but received two or three 
hundred lashes each, well laid on their backs and buttocks. 
A great number of spectators, it's said, were assembled. * * 
8th. * * News came yesterday of a conspiracy 
amongst some of the garrison of Fort Pitt, in conjunction 
with some of the settlers on Red Creek, to deliver up the 
fort to the commander of Detroit, who with some Indians, 
was invited to come ; but this discovery has, it's to be hoped, 
baffled their hellish scheme. * * 

10th. * * Received two letters from Ed. Milne, 
covering newspapers and Remonstrance of sundry Quakers 
and other disaffected persons to the United States of Ame- 



1777.J REMEMBRANCER. 143 

rica, to the Congress and to the President and Council of 
this State, one of them signed by three or four, the other 
by twenty-one. A written list was also handed about, con^ 
taining the names of forty persons. News from the army, 
viz : that Howe was advanced to New Garden,! ^^^ had 
taken a number of cattle. * * 

September llth. * * News was that the enemy ad- 
vanced towards the Concord road to Philadelphia ; that part 
of our army was gone to Chad's Ford ,* that several de- 
serters were gone for Philadelphia ; some, very few, come 
here ; that some of the Virginia forces coming to our assis- 
tance had crossed [the] Susquehannah to the amount of one 
thousand ; others on the road. From Fort Pitt that one or 
two persons were apprehended, coming there from Detroit, 
on one of them were found some papers, particularly one 
with the list of names of those in the fort and in the neigh- 
bourhood, who had declared their allegiance to George the 
Third. One of the persons, by name Wm. Gallaher, 
formerly a pedler, had made his escape, for whom a reward 
of six hundred dollars is offered. * * 

12th, * * I went into town, an alarm being 
spread that some of Howe's Light Horse had been seen at 
Pequea Church, about eighteen miles from Lancaster. This 
set sundry people (by report) to pack up their goods and 
some sent them out of town into the country. As there were 
so many flying reports and no certainty, a subscription was 
proposed and carried immediately into execution, for hiring 
three men to go as express to where the army was, to bring 
certain accounts, which was immediately put in practice, and 
three were dispatched. * * * Met Col. Calbreth, who was just 

t Chester County, Pa. 



144 Marshall's [1777. 

come from Philadelphia. By him learned that the news in the 
morning was the lie of the day, as he had travelled the road 
and saw none of the enemy, nor had they been there where 
reported. He had with him a Proclamation published by 
the Executive Council, inviting all persons to assist against 
the common enemy. This was read at Major Wertz's, 
where many of us were collected. * * 

September ISth, * * Came home in the evening. 
Just then, came to his family, Capt. Markoe, who was pre- 
sent at the engagement on the eleventh instant, near to Con- 
cord Meeting or Chad's ford, between, as he computes, three 
thousand of our troops under the Generals Maxwell, Sulli- 
van and Sterling, and eight thousand of the enemy, which 
began in the afternoon and continued until dark, in which 
great numbers were slain on both sides, but that our people 
behaved most gallantly, until ordered to retreat, as the 
ground would not admit of our troops' coming to a general 
engagement, as the enemy were in possession of an emi- 
nence that overawed our camp, so they rested for the night. 
The loss on either side was not as yet ascertained. * * 

15th. * * Election this day for Burgesses for 
this borough, when Henry DehafF and George Ross, were 
chosen. News of the day is that the Friends sent out of 
townf as prisoners were stopped at Pottsgrove by the Pottses 
there, and they would not suffer them to proceed any further, 
upon which a company of militia was ordered from Read- 
ing to take them in charge and convey them to their destined 
post. It's said that Gen. Putnam, with three thousand men, 
was expected to have been at Philadelphia yesterday ; that 
Gen. Smallwood with his forces, near two thousand, was at 

t Philadelphia. 



« ^ 



1777.] REMEMBRANCER. 145 

Nottingham meeting house yesterday, and was there to be 
joined by some more forces from the Eastern Shore ; that 
three thousand Jersey forces were to cross [the] Delaware 
at Cooper's ferry, this day. * * 

September llth, * * Near twelve, express arrived 
from camp ; brought account that in the action last week, 
our people had between four and five hundred men killed 
and wounded ; that our enemy, the English, had near two 
thousand killed and wounded, nine hundred of which were 
killed in the action ; that we had not one half of our people 
engaged, but that the enemy had treble our numbers, and 
the flower of their army, yet our people held them in play 
till dark, retreated about six hundred yards, and lost seven or 
eight field pieces ; that they were in no wise intimidated but 
in high spirits, eagerly longing for a fair opportunity. It's 
said they have been joined since by four thousand troops, 
but from where, could not learn. It's further said that four 
or five hundred volunteers from Virginia, were at York- 
townf yesterday, on their march to join Gen. Washington's 
army. It's also said that James Rankin, who ran away 
last week from his habitation in York county on account of 
his being accused of forming a scheme to destroy all our 
magazines of ammunition, arms, tents, baggage, provisions, 
&c., in Lancaster, Carlisle, York, Reading, &c., was taken 
about sixteen miles from our enemies' camp, and secured, 
but where I could not learn. * * 

I9th, * * No post come; supposed to be pre- 
vented by the enemy on the road, as it's said, they were 
near Downingstown, and our army near French Creek, yes- 
terday. This morning numbers of people came out on the 

t York, Pa. 



146 Marshall's [1777, 

hill near our place, in order, it's said, to hear the firing of 
the cannon between our people and the enemy, but I could 
not say that I heard any. * * * After dinner, went into 
town ; saw two companies [of] Lancaster militia march 
forward towards the camp. One of our expresses came in ; 
brought a letter dated at Red Lion, yesterday, two o'clock, 
A. M., giving account that the enemy were on full march 
for Philadelphia, and that they intended to follow them in a 
few minutes, so that an engagement may be hourly ex- 
pected. * * 

ScjDtemher 20th. * * It's wonderful to hear and to see 
the progress and fertility of the lying spirit, that moves about 
in and through the different classes of men in this place, 
attended with such twistings, windings and turnings, that 
it seems impossible to fix any truth upon them. * * * Two 
letters from son Christopher and his daughter, letting us 
know that they were all well, but much terrified, as the 
enemy were pushing that way towards Swedes' Ford, and 
that Gen. Washington had sent into their neighborhood and 
the Trap, about eight hundred wagons with stores and sick 
soldiers, &c., and [they] were then momently expecting to 
hear the dismal sound of cannon, and were also at a loss 
what they should do on these momentous occasions. * * * 
We sat late, conversing on these melancholy times. 

2lst, * * Near five, came and stood for some 
considerable time at [the] corner of B ***** 's house, 
the said B * * * * * and James W * * * Sen'r, in a strong 
and zealous conversation. The nearness of, and the har- 
mony of, their two spirits, I was surprised with. The zeal 
that animated them was powerful and strong ; gestures and 
motions, various and frequent ; love and attraction by shak- 
ing and holding hands was conspicuous. Upon the whole, 



1777,] KEMEMBSAXCER. 147 

I was satisfied by their behavour that they were, though 
different in the principles of religion, by the outward pro- 
fession, yet now animated by one spirirt — the same that 
would enslave and reduce the freedom of America. * * 

September 22nd. * * News of the day is that the ene- 
my have formed a design to surround and take prisoners 
Gen. Wayne's Brigade. For that purpose, about one in the 
morning of the Twenty-first instant, a number of them 
without noise till they entered our lines, then setting up a 
prodigious hideous noise, attacked our people with swords 
and bayonets ; and as our people were some sleeping and 
off* their guard, they were thrown into confusion, yet made 
a good retreat, losing neither cannon nor baggage. It's 
said that we had about one hundred killed, wounded and 
taken prisoners, and that the enemy suffered equally with 
us, notwithstanding their number and the surprise. * * 

2Srd. * * Just after dark visited by Col. Ross, 
who said he had slept at my sons' [the] night before last ; 
that they were all well, but in trouble as the enemy were as 
nigh to them as six miles ; that they had no time to write, 
as they were sending some of their valuable goods further 
into the country, viz : over Oley Hills-f 

25^7^. * * Visited by Capt. Hervey, who came 
to enquire after news, but none was stirring but the lie of 
yesterday, (as I had heard) which was that Howe had 
crossed [the] Schuylkill and entered Philadelphia, the twen- 
ty-third instant, without any opposition ; nay further, that 
the City was all in flames. This, Mrs. Taggert told me, a 
man had said before her door yesterday. Thus are many 
of the people in this place imposed upon. * * * Came into 

t Berks County, Pa. 



149 MARSHALL'S [1777. 

town President Hancock, and some others of the Dele- 
gates. * * 

September 26th. * * News of the day was that Howe 
was got into Philadelphia ; then, no ; then he had crossed 
Schuylkill ; then that he had returned back ; so that there 
was nothing to be depended upon. 

28th. * * News of the day is that three thou- 
sand of Howe's army, under G^ Cornwallis, entered Phila- 
delphia last sixth day, in the afternoon. 

29th. * * Took leave of sundry of the Congress, 
who were setting off for Yorktown. * *' * Many of the 
inhabitants of Philadelphia came to-day and yesterday to 
this place, as did our President or Governor, the Executive 
Council and the members of Assembly, who met here this 
day in the Court House. News of the day is that Gen. 
Burgoyne and his army are defeated,! himself wounded, and 
Ticonderoga retaken ; that part of Gen. Howe's army en- 
camped on the commons facing the Bettering House ;J that 
Gen. Cornwallis had made his head quarters at Widow 
Norris's. The remainder of the British army encamped 
along the road to Germantown, and ours were behind 
them. * * 

30^^. * * News of the day is that last seventh 
day, four men of war came to anchor off our fort,§ in 
order to take it, and the cheveaux de frise, but were re- 
pulsed so as to leave their anchors behind them, and get 

t Burgoyne was defeated on the iDth of September. He intrenched 
himself on the following day, and was finally defeated and compelled to 
surrender on the 7th of October. 

t This building stood upon the square between Spruce and Pine and 
Eleventh and Twelfth streets. It was taken down a few years since. 

§ Fort Mifflin. 



1777.] REMEMBRANCER, 14^ 

away as fast as they could, being much mauled, &c., by 
the fort.f 

October Isi. * * It's said that Major Miller, with a 
party of men, had made an excursion from our army to 
the Rising Sun on [the] Germantown Road. On return, 
met some Hessian troops, engaged them, killed nine [and] 
brought off six prisoners with their accoutrements. * * 

2nd. * * Went into town with Col. McKean, 
who had just called at our house. I visited sundry Dele- 
gates and Assemblymen in Lancaster, having a desire that 
in conjunction with [the] Executive Council and the As- 
sembly, some good regulations might be made here in order 
for our protection and for our comfortable living here. * * * 
R. Whitehill, Dr. Phyle and self, took a walk to view a 
number of Virginians encamped upon the commons, * * * 
thence into the main street near the prison. Met a large 
number of prisoners just brought into town from Bethlehem, 
going to-morrow for Virginia. * * 

2rd. * * Spent some time in conversation with 
sundry persons, respecting a Dutchman called Motchs, 

who said he came from Philadelphia, had a printed pass 
from G'. Howe, yet the Magistrates here, with the President 
and Executive Council, all suffered him to pass on his 
journey to York, and then to Philadelphia, as he said, * * * 
Three or four hundred Virginians left this place to-day. 

Ath. * * News of the morning is that [James] 
Brooks (the conspirator with Dr. Kearsley,) who has been 
long confined in this jail, made his escape last night, and 
this day Caleb Johnson, a Friend and inhabitant of this 
place, was examined before the Council and sent to the pri- 

i Fort Mifflin. 
O 



150 Marshall's [1777. 

son, as being privy and accessory to his escape. * * * News 
of the day, to be depended upon, was that the day before G'. 
Howe entered Philadelphia, being the twenty-fifth [of] last 
month, a number of Tories, said to amount to four or five 
hundred, went out in parade to Germantown, returned and 
triumphed through the streets all the night, taking, securing 
and sending to prison all they could find that they looked 
upon or termed friends to the Free States of America, 
amongst whom, was and is the parson, Jacob Duche. My son 
Benja. writes on the First instant, that most of the Generals 
were viewing the hill near his house, in order, if occasion 
[required] to make a stand ; that they were moving down, 
and that part of our army and scouts were at Germantown; 
and that the Generals, Read and Cadwalader, being out on 
a scout the thirtieth [of] last month, called at the house 
of Thomas Lewsley, a miller, who not knowing them, told 
them that those two Generals were but a little way from 
there, and that if they (as he took them for two of [the] 
British Light Horse) would pursue, they might easily take 
them, for which end he gave them a very fine horse, which 
they brought away. My son on [the] back of his letter, 
dated First instant, says, just now a British Light Horse 
[man] passed here a prisoner, taken last night with de- 
spatches of consequence to G'. Howe, and is sent with 
them to G^ Washington. 

October 5th. * * Viewed part of [the] Virginia Bat- 
talion, with colours flying, wagons, &c., marching for 
camp, and I am informed that a division of three hundred 
took the same route yesterday, via Reading. * * * About 
noon, another party of Virginians, amounting to near three 
hundred, with wagons, passed through here on their march 
to the camp. 



1777.] KEMEMBRANCER, 151 

October 6th. * * Went into town ; spent chief [part] of 
the afternoon there in conversation, respecting public occur- 
rences, as the express had just come in; brought account 
of a parcel of our army's moving in three divisions last 
Sixth Day night, eight or nine miles, and [that they] 
attacked our enemy near five next morning near Chestnut 
Hill ; threw them into disorder and drove their grenadiers 
with others into Germantown, where they took refuge in 
churches, houses and meetings, with their cannon (of v/hich 
our people had brought none with them) and as the main 
body of the enemy advanced our little party retreated back 
to their former ground in good order, taking one piece of 
cannon with them, and all their wounded. Accounts say 
that we had killed, wounded and prisoners on our side about 
four hundred, and that the enemy had nearly fifteen hun- 
dred in killed, wounded and prisoners. * * 

7th. * * About twelve o'clock, marched out 
under a guard of one hundred and twenty militia men, one 
hundred and twenty-three prisoners of English, Scotch and 
new levies, for Virginia, with baggage wagons, &c. * * * The 
account it's said, to-day brought from Philadelphia by some 
of the Friends from their Yearly Meeting, of the engagement 
last Seventh Day, is that we had two thousand men killed, 
wounded and taken prisoners, and that our enemies suf- 
fered in the same proportion ; further, that our late 
Governor, John Penn, is appointed Governor, and Andrew 
Allen, Lieut. Governor. Between two or three hundred 
Virginians marched through this town to-day for our camp. 
* * * Came to town, this evening, a company of Light 
Horse from North Carolina, near upon fifty, with their 
wagons, &c,* put up their horses at the Continental 
stables. * * 



152 Marshall's [1777. 

October Qth, * * In my son's letter are many instances 
of the wanton cruelty they exercised in his neighbourhood, 
amongst which is the burning of the house where Col. Reed 
did live, the house where Thompson kept tavern, with every 
thing in it, all the hay at Col. Bull's, fifteen hundred bushels 
of wheat, with other grain, his powder mill and iron works; 
destroyed all the fences for some miles, with the Indian corn 
and buckwheat, emptied feather beds, destroyed furniture, 
cut books to pieces at Col. Bayard's ; at one place emptied 
some feather beds, and put a cask of yellow ochre, cask of 
Spanish Brown [and] cask of linseed oil, and mixed them 
^11 together. So brutal and cruel are all their steps 
marked, it would be tiresome tracing them with a pen. * * * 
Yesterday, after many day's waiting, a sufficient number of 
members of Assembly met, so that they have made a House 
and entered upon public business. * * 

llth. * * News of the day is that the slaughter 
in Howe's army this day week was very great ; that 
the Generals Agnew, Grant and Erskine, are among 
the slain, and another General officer badly wounded ; 
these, by report, were principal officers in Howe's army ; 
that on the Eighth instant, Washington's army being re- 
freshed marched downwards to Philadelphia, and that he 
was reinforced with four thousand men from the North- 
ward, besides a number of Virginians, within the space of 
eight or ten days, so that an engagement may be hourly 
expected. Our Council and House of Assembly continue 
still sitting here, as does the Congress at York. * * 

I2th. * * News of the day is variously repre- 
sented, viz : that our army was got to within nineteen miles 
of Philadelphia ; that Gen. Lee was exchanged (for Pres- 
cott) J was expected soon to be at camp j that Sam'. Shoe- 



* ♦ 



1777.] REMEMBRANCER. 153 

maker acted as Mayor of Philadelphia, and had publicly 
declared in the Market Place, in order to inform the inhabi- 
tants by order of Gen^ Howe, that Congress money should 
not be received in any payments ; that sundry of the 
English troops had repassed [the] Schuylkill, but for what 
intent, it was not known ; that Gen. Putnam had retreated 
from Fishkill, as Burgoyne had received a supply of troops. 
October \Wi. * * News just come, via Reading, 
that Fort Montgomery was taken by the enemy, with all its 
stores, and five hundred men made prisoners, and with a 
loss to them of one thousand men killed; that they had 
burned two frigates that were unfinished in the North 
River. After dinner. Gen. De Kalb set out for the camp. 
The Assembly broke up this day, having completed their 
session, having first appointed twelve Commissioners to act 
in conjunction with the President and Council, during [the] 
recess of the Assembly, and to the end of next session, 
unless ordered otherwise by the next Assembly. * * * In 
the above Commission, I was appointed one, but upon being 
informed, I went and requested another might be put in my 
room, which after some altercation was not granted nor put 
they any other in my place, as the law had been already 
passed for that purpose. * * 

\M.li. * * I went into town, this being Election 
Day, as appointed by the Constitution. The following 
gentlemen were elected in Lancaster, viz: Wm. Brown, 
Alexander Lowery, Philip Mastiler, James Anderson, John 
M<=Mullen [and] Ludwick Laumait. The election was con- 
ducted with great order and sobriety. * * * News was that 
our enemies had erected [a] small battery on Province 
Island, which our gondolas destroyed, took fifty-four 
prisoners, and one hundred muskets, two officers, a cap- 

o* 



154 Marshall's [1777. 

tain and lieutenant, with the cannon that they had mount- 
ed. * * 

October 15t?i, * * Bought this day (for and per order 
of my son Charles,) of Adam Zantzinger, fifty-six pounds of 
Muscovado sugar, for which I paid him nine shillings per lb. 
* * * jvjews of the day is, it's said, an express about noon, 
on its way to Congress, who also had despatches to our 
President and Council, giving them information of the total 
rout of Burgoyne's army ; great numbers of them slain, 
say three hundred, as many taken prisoners, with all their 
tents, baggage, &c., with two twelve and six six-pounders, 
brass guns, and that they were in full pursuit of the run- 
aways ; Generals Clinton and Arnold, both wounded, but not 
mortally. By report of several, a most prodigious heavy 
firing was heard yesterday, great part of the day, account 
of which is impatiently expected by the honest hearts. * * 
16th. * * I am informed that yesterday were 
brought to this jail, three or four persons from Chester 
County, two of them named Hunter, who, by receipts found 
upon them, appear to have been as suppliers of Howe's firmy 
with sheep, cattle, &c. The others are called Temple, who 
appear to have been concerned as directors of the roads to 
Howe's army, and informing against sundry persons to him 
as good friends to the United States, and other inimical 
practices. * * 

17th. * * News by express from [the] northward, 
confirms the above intelligence, and adds that it was Bur- 
goyne's Aide-de-camp [Irho] was taken prisoner, with most 
of the Artillery officers and head officers of the Grenadiers 
with the Q. Mr. General, and a number of inferior officers. 
Among the slain is Gen^ Frazer. It's further said that the 
taking of Fort Montgomery cost abundance of blood on 



.{! 



1777.] REMEMBRANCER. J 55 

both sides. On the English side, were slain Gen. Camphiel, 
Major Stille, Major Grant, Capt. Steward, with many other 
officers ; and that our forts on [the] Delaware hold out 
bravely, the men in high spirits on the fifteenth instant. 

October ISth. * * News of the day is th«it some of 
our militia under Gen*. Small wood and Potter, had taken a 
large drove of cattle near Chester, that was driven for the 
use of Howe's army ; that the enemy had entirely evacua- 
ted Wilmington j that our river was yet in our possession, 
although daily cannonaded by the enemy's shipping, but as 
bravely repulsed ; that Lord Howe in a sixty gun ship was 
arrived at Chester ; that provisions were very scarce and 
dear in Philadelphia ; beef three shillings and nine pencef 
a pound, butter seven shillings and six pence, J no money 
passing bui hard and Pennsylvania old money ; that full 
confirmation of Gen. Burgoyne's defeat was brought this day 
to Congress from Gen. Gates, who was then in full pursuit 
of his flying army ; that numbers of them came into us 
with heavy complaints against Burgoyne's behaviour, and 
that he had written a polite letter to Gen. Gates, requesting 
him to take care of his hospital. 

2Qth. * * By letter from son Benja. by the 
express, is a full account of the surrender of Gen. Bur- 
goyne and his whole army to Gen^ Gates, on the Four- 
teenth instant ; to march out on the Fifteenth to a place 
appointed, with the honours of war, there to ground their 
arms, and then as prisoners to be sent to Massachusetts 
Government. On the Eighteenth a feu de joie was fired in 
our camp on this glorious acquisition ; at the same time an 
alarm was that the enemy under Howe was in motion to 
attack our army, who received the news with great joy and 

t Fifty Cents. X One Dollar. 



156 Marshall's [1777, 

moved with great alacrity to receive them. It was remarked 
that when Gen. Washington received the account of Bur- 
goyne's defeat, he stood silent for some small time. * * * 
As it was rainy weather, we all went to bed past eight. 
Wind bl^w fresh and stormy. Near nine, alarmed by 
Timothy Matlack, who came to inform me that an express 
[had] just arrived in town with the news of Howe's quitting 
Philadelphia, and that Gen. Washington was in full pursuit 
of his army.f This was joyful news indeed. I then went 
to bed, but had not lain long when Major Wertz came with 
boy, candle and lanthorn, on the same errand. I then 
arose and conversed till he went away ; then to bed. Not 
long there before Robert Taggert came with his lanthorn. 
After he was gone, I went to bed. Not being easy. Dr. 
Phyle arose. We dressed ourselves, went into town ; met 
with many heartily rejoicing ; then to Jorden's ; stayed in 
large company till near twelve ; then home in the rain to 
bed, before one. 

October 2\st. * * In the evening went into town, 
having first prepared our front windows with conveniency 
of fixing candles for the illumination this ni£;ht, on account 
of Gen. Burgoyne's defeat. A further account came this 
evening, and was read in the Court Flouse room, where the 
principal inhabitants (with many others, strangers, &c.,) 
were collected to spend the evening in [a] kind of festivity 
on the occasion, which was conducted with great sobriety 
and prudence. * * * There were many patriotic healths 
drunk, and a cold collation. The part of the battalion 
under arms, that were in the borough, paraded the streets, 
fired a feu de joie, with many manoeuvres; drums, fife?, 
playing in the room. I came away with a great many 

t Tliis news was premature. 



1777.] REMEMBRANCER. 157 

others about nine ; fine pleasant night, but cool. The 
account read was that the prisoners were, first, Lieut. Gen. 
Burgoyne, seven Brigadier Generals, two Majors, two 
Lieutenant Colonels, a number of captains and inferior 
officers, five thousand privates, fifteen thousand stand of 
arms, forty pieces of brass cannon, ammunition, tents, all 
their baggage, &c. No further account from Philadelphia 
to be depended upon. * *' 

October 22ncl. * * This afternoon, were brought to 
town via Reading, thirty English and five Hessian prisoners, 
taken in the last skirmish at Germantown, brought by some 
of the militia and lodged in the jail, also three light horse and 
four jagers, who were out on a scout, who were also con- 
fined with the other prisoners. It's further said that a very 
heavy cannonade was heard on the outside of this town, 
most part of this afternoon. * * 

2Srd, * * Our neighbours this morning remarked 
a constant heavy firing all this forenoon, which was dis- 
tinctly heard near twelve. I listened and heard a heavy 
firing from E. S. E., as I apprehended it, to be platoon or 
broadside firing. There are just brought to town from 
Chester County, about forty of the men that were wounded 
in that afl^air on the Brandywine (in seven wagons.) * * * 
Almost constantly engaged in my mind respecting the situa- 
tion of our good friends, relations and associates in Phila- 
delphia, whose distress from the Tories I commiserate. * * 
25th. * * News of the day, it's said, is by two 
expresses, one the confirmation of Gen. Burgoyne's defeat ,* 
the other that twelve hundred Hessian Grenadiers, under 
the command of Count Dunop, and sundry other principal 
officers crossed [the] Delaware at Cooper's ferry, marched 
through Haddonfield down to Redbank, from there attacked 



158 Marshall's [1777. 

our fort, nay, it's said, some got over the abattis, but were 
repulsed with a great number slain, many wounded, among 
which the above named officers, who were taken prisoners, 
and one hundred and eighty others (and twelve brass 
cannon,) the rest dispersed ; and that our fleet had bravely 
repulsed the men of war, and that our fire rafts had set 
three of their men of war on fire, and two were thereby 
bK)wn up and destroyed. One of said vessels, it's said, 
was the August, sixty-four gun ship, and the other the 
Apollo. This day was published a Proclamation, reciting 
part of an Act passed the Thirteenth instant, constituting 
a Council of Safety, and vesting the same with certain 
powers. The persons so named in said Act were John 
Bayard, Jonathan Sergeant, Jonathan B. Smith, David 
Rittenhouse, Joseph Gardiner, Robert Whitehill, James 
Cannon and Wm. Henry of Lancaster. This day was 
published an Address from [the] said Council of Safety, to 
the inhabitants of Pennsylvania, dated at Lancaster the 
Twenty-third instant. 

^Ith. * * It's said that five hundred militia men 
marched this day for camp, notwithstanding the heavy rain, 
which continued till bed time. * * 

29/;/i. * * News to-day but little. It's said that 
our brave fellows still keep our fort and cheveaux de frise ; 
that our army is on the Skippack road, near Morris's mill. 
Letter from Reading to Col. Morgan says, that Dr. Potts 
wrote to his wife, confirming the defeat of Burgoyne's 
army ; that the person who brought said Potts's letter, 
writes that he saw Burgoyne with several Generals and 
other officers at Albany, as he passed through there. * * 

30z/i. ** Thisday I paid Conrad Wold £117 
for one hundred and seventeen gallons of whiskey, ordered 



i 



1777.] REMEMBRANCER. 159 

by my son Christopher and Thomas Rees, and sent them. 
* # * jijews of the day, as reported by Wm. Young, ser- 
vant to Rob*. Erwine. He says he left Philadelphia last 
Saturday ; that our enemies report that they lost one thou- 
sand killed, besides a number wounded, at their attack at 
Redbank ; the inhabitants in Philadelphia in great distress 
for provisions, as the soldiers seized all that was in the 
market, and were also seizing and taking away out of 
people's cellars and yards all their firewood ; that the 
defence on the river was maintained with great vigour, 
having destroyed three of our enemies ships, viz : sixty- 
four, thirty-four and twenty-eight gun vessels ; that Gen; 
Howe had a bridge at Ogden's ferry, was fortifying this 
side [of the] Schuylkill, and for that purpose had two thou- 
sand men there. * * 

October ^\st, * * The news of the day is that the. 
particulars of the surrender of Burgoyne and his army 
were gone by express to Congress last night, but the account 
was not yet returned, tho' several accounts were handed 
about, but none authenticated. * * * An invitation made 
by the President at Major Wertz's, to which was invited 
scarcely any other but a parcel of Tories in this place, some 
of them inhabitants, and some who reside here from Phila- 
delphia. Poor Dr. Phyle and some of his principles, were 
not counted worthy to taste of the dainties, and thereby 
they escaped being intoxicated and made drunk, and next 
day sick, &c. 

November \st, * * After breakfast, I was engaged 
good part of the day in patching and mending the old out 
house, as this place, through the want of workmen, obliges 
me to be a jack of all trades, as the saying is, and good at 
none. * * 



160 Marshall's [1777. 

November 2nd, * * I received a letter by the post, from 
my son Benja., dated yesterday, giving an account that both 
his and his brother's family were well, and had not, and 
hoped should not have, cause to remove from their present 
habitations by our enemies, as they were now in the en- 
virons of Philadelphia ; that there had been no firing on the 
river since the two ships were blown up, and that Gen. 
Washington had sent off' a train and company of Artillery 
with three hundred men to reinforce the fort at Redbank 
(yesterday) ; that they had for several days the most violent 
storm of wind and rain scarcely known ; that the creeks 
were so risen that the water was up within a foot of Thomas 
Rees's parlour floor, &c., in which time of rain our poor 
soldiers suffered excessively by the storm, but were now 
recruited and in high spirits, and, it's thought, would move 
downwards to-day or to-morrow ; that the poor inhabitants 
of Philadelphia are in a dreadful situation for the want of 
provisions and firewood, and it's said that the gallery-men 
have got up a number (thirty) of cannon and other things 
out of the wreck of the ships, &c. * * 

bth. * * Afterwards went into town, as our 
Quarter Sessions began yesterday, and were conducted with 
great order and decorum. This day, came to town on their 
way to York, the Generals Sterling and Mifllin. * * * 
News of the day is, by letter from Dr. Shippen at Read- 
ing to Thomas Smith here, that last First Day, the ship 
Eagle of sixty-four guns attacked our gondolas, but ran 
aground, on which our people boarded her, got her off* and 
took her, and also that they had taken fourteen boat loads 
of provisions and other goods, going to Howe's army, and 
that our people had retaken Rhode Island, and made eight 
hundred prisoners, with their stores and ammunition, &c. 



1777.] REMEMBRANCER. 161 

Sundry of our new Assembly came to town yesterday and 
to day, but not sufficient to make up a house to do business. 
November Qth. * * I have been favoured with [the] 
sight of [a] copy of Jacob Duche's letter to Gen. Washing- 
ton, which the General transmitted to Congress. It's dated 
[the] eighth of last month, the which contains a panegyric 
upon himself, an applause of the General, then proceeds to 
the most illiberal, scurrilous, and invective language against 
the Congress [and] the supporters of the United States in 
every department of government, then proposes a total sur- 
render of our all into the hands of Howe, and the other 
Commissioners that were formerly appointed by the King 
and Council ; then calls upon Gen. Washington to pro- 
nounce this at the head of his army, as the only means that 
can be taken to preserve all America from utter ruin and 
devastation, and thereby the General would alone be the 
deliverer and saviour of his country, &c. &c. &c. Yester- 
day came Mary Brown's son, who came the night before 
from near Germantown ; told me that he had seen his mother 
and Mrs. Owen there, who had come out of Philadelphia 
just befcre on parole, to procure some provisions, which, 
they said, were very scarce and dear in the city. Mrs. 
Owen told him to tell me, when he saw me, that the enemy 
had destroyed all my fence round the garden, at [the] coun- 
try seat, put soldiers into that house and my dwelling house 
in town, and that Paul Fooks had taken away all my books 
out of my house before they took possession, and had them 
carried to his own dwelling house, and being found there, 
as if his own property, &c. * * 

8^/^. * * News to day corresponds how that 
Gen. Cornwallis, with a number of his army attacked 
Red Bank, the sixth instant, where he was repulsed. His 

p 



162 Marshall's [1777. 

loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners amounts, it's said, 
to six hundred. * * 

November 10th. * * A number of militia marched 
through this town for Gen. Washington's camp, as did like- 
wise, it's said, near seven hundred on their return from 
camp to Virginia, their times being expired. The accounts 
from Philadelphia are very distressing, on the many exer- 
cises the Whig inhabitants have to encounter with, being 
much pinched for wood and provisions, besides the inhuman 
behaviour of the Tory crew in that City. Account is 
brought that two spies were detected in Red Bank fort, and 
were hanged immediately, one of which confessed the fact ; 
said they were employed by Sam^ Shoemaker, Paul Reeves 
and Sam^ Garrigus, 6'e^^., to procure information. * *' 

llth. * * News of the day is that Col. Mor- 
gan's Regiment of riflemen was arrived at Gen. Washing- 
ton's camp, and that part of Gen. Gates's army had crossed 
North River, at Fishkill, and may be expected to join our 
army in a few days, and that Gen. Clinton's army was ex- 
pected to join Gen. Howe's. 

13th. * * It's said that eight hundred Continen- 
tals and three hundred of the militia from Virginia, are now 
on their march to join our General Washington, besides 
five or six hundred from North Carolina, and Cumberland 
County militia, just now passing by to head quarters. This 
[day] came to town and encamped in the woods near Cones- 
toga Creek, Two hundred Continental troops from North 
Carolina, on their march to Gen. Washington's camp. 

lAth. * '* News of the day is that Col. Mor- 
gan's Riflemen were sent down to Tinicum Island ; that 
Gen. Gates, with his army, had crossed at Corryel's ferry ; 
that several of our people, of the prisoners under Gen, 



1777.] REMEMBRANCER. 163 

Howe, that were confined in Philadelphia, had perished for 
want of nourishment, provisions being so scarce and Howe 
so cruel unto our people. This day some companies of 
militia men came into this town, on their way to join Gen. 
Washington. * * 

November 17th. * * News of the day is that six thou- 
sand blankets, with watch coats, shoes and stockings, were 
arrived from the eastward at our camp. It's further said, 
that three thousand of Gen. Putnam's division crossed at 
Dunks's ferry last week on their way to Gen. Washington's 
camp ; that Dr. Kearsley, prisoner at Carlisle, died there 
some time last week, and was buried in their church, which 
disgusted many of the Church party in that place, so that 
they declared against going to that church any more. * * 

18th. * * News of the day is that Fort Mifflin 
was evacuated after removing the guns and stores, last 
Seventh Day night ; and that Elizabeth Shipley, a public 
Friend, who fled from Howe's army, at Wilmington, said 
these following words just before she died,. " Hold out Ame- 
ricans, hold out Americans, your cause is good, and God 
will give you your country." * * 

20th. * * Breakfasted with our standing family, 
James Davidson, who was going to set off on account of 
[the] Executive and Council of Safety, in order to examine 
their salt works in the Jerseys, and also to purchase salt in 
that State for the use of this State, if to be got on moderate 
terms. * * 

21 St. * * I went to town, in company with Ro- 
bert Whitehill, to Council Chamber, where John Brown, of 
Philada. was sent a prisoner from Congress, who, by his 
own confession, said at the request of Thomas Willing, he 
had received orders from Gen. Howe, to propose to some 



164 Marshall's [1777. 

members of Congress, that if they would rescind Indepen- 
dancy, he would withdraw his fleet and army, would put 
the States into the situation they were in [in] seventeen 
hundred and sixty-three, and grant them more than they 
have asked, and would establish the paper currency. With 
this verbal message, he said he came, by desire of Thos. 
Willing, and communicated the same to Robert Morris. 
The Council, having considered maturely the nature of the 
offence, unanimously agreed to commit him to the common 
jail of this county, under strict confinement, for the present. 
* * * Yesterday, our Assembly made a House [and] pro- 
ceeded to business, after choosing James M-^Lean, Speaker. 
This morning they, with the Council, elected Thomas Whar- 
ton, President, and George Bryan, Vice President, for the 



ensujng year. * * 



November 22nd. * * About half after seven, before 
I arose, hearing a great noise like an empty wagon going 
over a gutter. When Robert Whitehill arose, he asked if 
I had heard the earthquake; he said it made the house 
shake to the foundation. The same was felt by Dr. Phyle. 
As they lay up stairs, and we below, they felt the shock 
more sensibly. This was felt by many, whom I heard 
talking of it in town. * * * News of the day, that Gen. 
Cornwallis, on the sixteenth, with three thousand British 
and Hessian troops, marched from Philadelphia to Chester, 
there went on board [a] transport (having crossed [the] 
Schuylkill at [the] middle ferry) ,• on the Eighteenth, went 
to Billingsport, disembarked the Nineteenth and proceeded 
to attack Red Bank Fort ; that Col. Procter, with artillery, 
had gone down to Province Island, and Gen. Greene, with 
three thousand of our troops, was to cross some days past, 
at Bristol. Potatoes in Philadelphia, at sixteen shillings a 



I 



1777.] REMEMBRANCER. 165 

bushel, beef seven shillings and six pence per pound, and 
a chicken at ten shillings, so great is their distress. 

November 2Srd. * * News to day that the English 
Ambassador, Stormont, had left Paris. On his arrival in 
England, stocks fell fifteen per cent ; that the King of Prussia 
had ordered the Port of Embden to be open for American 
privateers. 

24:th. * * News of the day is that Gen. Bur- 
goyne's troops had mutinied on their march, so that the 
guards were obliged to fire on them, killed several, which 
obliged the rest to be still and quiet. Near forty Light 
Horse came in from Virginia, on their way to head 
quarters. 

26th. * * News of the day is that [the] fort on 
Red Bank was evacuated on the approach of Gen. Corn- 
wallis, with his forces ; that our people destroyed great 
part of our fleet, fire rafts, floating battery, &c. ; that the 
enemy had burnt Woodbury, but that our gondolas had 
passed the City and got up the river ; that the enemy had 
burnt Isaac Norris's house, Jonathan Miffhn's, Peel Hall, 
and sundry other houses ; that they had also destroyed 
Spring Garden ; that provisions still continued scarce and 
dear in the City ; [that] our people, who are prisoners, are 
cruelly used ; that part of Gen. Gates' forces had arrived 
at camp. * * 

27th. * * Past four, I went by appointment 
of Council, in company with Col. Bayard, to confer with the 
clothier General respecting the clothing of the troops of 
this State ; then returned to Council. Came home at dusk. 
* * * News to-day is that the Generals Washington, Sulli- 
van, and some others had crossed [the] Schuylkill last 
Third Day on a reconnoitering over a bridge they had near 



166 Marshall's [1777, 

Spring Mill ; that last Second Day a heavy firing was 
heard, which, by report, was an engagement in the Jerseys 
between our forces there and the enemy, but was not de- 
cided as both maintained their ground in order to renew the 
fight next morning, * * * that our out-scouts near Fair 
Hill, had attacked and driven the enemy's pickets into the 
City ; waited in hopes they would have been succoured, and 
so have brought on a general engagement, as our army was 
ready to have engaged, had the enemy come out, but they 
contented themselves with remaining in their lines. * * 

November mth. * * This morning James Young, Esq., 
set out for camp, on a commission from the President and 
Council, he, with Col. Bayard, being appointed to enquire 
into the complaints made that the troops of this State are 
in a ragged condition, while the other troops are well equip- 
ped ; also to see sundry clothes distributed amongst them 
that are in real want, from a parcel now collecting in this 
county, some of which are sent and more going, and also 
to make a true report to Council of the state of our army, 
and of the reasons of the complaints made respecting the 
scarcity of provisions. * * 

December 'Unci. * * Yesterday were read in Council, 
the Thirteen Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union 
of the United States ; also a letter from Robert Morris to 
the President and Council, requesting the enlargement of 
John Brown, and proposing to be his security in any sum 
that they should require. The same was put to vote, and 
carried unanimously that he should still be retained a pri- 
soner. * * 

Srd. * * A letter was read in Council from 
G. Wood of Bedford County, dated [the] eighteenth of last 
month, giving an account of the inroads of the Indians in 



1777.] REMEMBRANCER. 167 

that quarter, which had so distressed them that numbers of 
the inhabitants had fled from their habitations. Account 
[that] seventeen thousand blankets are arrived in Vir- 
ginia. * * 

December Uli. * * After dinner I carried a few lines 
written to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, signify- 
ing my intentions of resigning my seat in the Committee of 
Safety. Now the doing [of] this arose from an informa- 
tion R. Whitehill gave me at dinner, that the House in his 
absence this forenoon had passed a Resolve that they would 
desire the President and Council immediately to dissolve 
the Council of Safety. This was what induced me to take 
the start of them, and decline in lime. * * 

hih. * * Baron De Holtzendorff's Aide-de- 
Camp ; come from camp, but brought no news except that 
he thought that our troops were to go soon into winter 
quarters. * * * The beginning of this week, three Dele- 
gates, viz : [Elbridge] Gerry, Jones and Robert Morris, set 
out by order of Congress to head-quarters, in order to con- 
sult only with Gen. Washington, on the present critical 
affairs of the army, the commissaries and other officers, 
&c. 

6th. * * Visited early by Col. Roberdeay. 
Stayed in solid conversation till past ten. Gave him Seven- 
teen hundred and five Dollars, left me by my sons Christo- 
pher and Charles, in order to get them changed by Con- 
gress, if suitable and convenient, for the same number of 
Dollars, these having been defaced by lying in a damp 
place, which entirely took away all the names and numbers 
that were done with red ink. * * 

Ith, * * News of the day, it's said, is that 
an express passed through this town to Congress with de- 



168 Marshall's [1777. 

spatches that Gen. Howe left Philadelphia [on the] Fourth 
instant at eleven at night, with his army, consisting of ten 
thousand men, marched towards Germantown, attacked and 
drove [in] our picket guard, which being reinforced, re- 
turned, drove their advanced guard back, killed near twenty, 
amongst which, a Brigadier General, Captain, &c ; took six- 
teen prisoners ; that we lost Gen. Irvin, who was wounded 
and taken prisoner, one Colonel, one Captain, twelve or 
fourteen privates killed, and maintained our post that night ; 
that next day a general engagement, it was thought, was 
unavoidable, as the two armies lay in sight of each other ; 
and that the enemy had burnt Beggar's town in their front. 
December Qth. * * Then came Norton Pryor, who 
brought a letter from son Charles, giving account * * * 
that both armies were in sight of each other, Howe's occu- 
pying Germantown, and Washington's Chestnut Hill, White- 
marsh, &c. (He and horse stayed all night, as he, after 
trial, could find no entertainment in the town.) Spent the 
evening in conversation respecting the difficulties attending 
our friends in and about Philadelphia, till near ten. 

December 10th. * * Yesterday, about noon, 
came into town, from the Northward, about four hundred 

soldiers of the Regiment of Col. , in order to be in- 

noculated for the small pox ; went into barracks. They 
brought with them, it's said, about one hundred English 
prisoners that had been taken at different times. * *' 

nth. * *' News of the day, it's said, is that 
Gen. Howe, after giving out in Philada. that he was going 
with his army to drive Gen. Washington and his army over 
the Blue Mountains, after marching his whole army up to 
Chestnut Hill and staying there some days, last First Day 
night decamped and returned to Philada. on the Second Day, 



1777.] REMEMBRANCER. 169 

leaving behind him about two hundred of his nien, in slain 
and taken prisoners. It's said they have pillaged and car- 
ried with them every thing that came in their way that was 
portable and of any value, besides burning [and] destroying 
many houses and effects, also taking with them, by force, all 
the boys they could lay their hands on, above the age of 
ten years. Thus, this time, has the great boaster succeeded 
in this vainglorious expedition, to the eternal shame of him 
and of all his boasting Tory friends. It's said that last 
week, Joseph Galloway was proclaimed in Philada. Gover- 
nor of this Province, by the knot of Tories there ; that 
John Hall, cooper, is to be tried for his life for cursing 
George the Third, as is Robert Riche for writing to Gen. 
Washington, (some say it was to Riche's wife) giving them 
an account of the fortifying of the City, &c. By some 
letters intercepted, there appears to be a combination be- 
tween the Friends sent into Virginia by the President and 
Council and some inhabitants of Lancaster, in order to de- 
preciate the Continental currency. Some of the letters are 
from Owen Jones, Jr., to John Mercer, Matthias Slough and 
Matthias Graeff. This discovery has obliged the Board of 
War to send all the Quaker prisoners to Staunton in Au- 
gusta County, and Owen Jones to close confinement, without 
the use of pen, ink and paper, except in presence of the 
Lieutenant of the County or his deputy, and the other 
Friends to the same restriction, unless they take an affirma- 
tion that they will neither act, speak, nor write any thing 
that is against the Independancy of the United States of 
America. * * 

12th. * * News of the day is that Gen. Howe 
is come out again from Philadelphia, with his army ; crossed 
[the] Schuylkill at Middle Ferry, marched up Lancaster 



170 Marshall's [1777. 

Road to the Sorrel Horse, thirteen miles from the City, and 
there rested yesterday. 

December ISth. * * Some people pretended to have 
heard a firing of cannon this morning. * * * This is a 
strange age and place, in which I now dwell, because nothing 
can be had cheap but lies, falsehood, and slanderous accu- 
sation. Love and Charity, the badge of Christianity, is not 
so much as named amongst them. * * 

lAth. * * Near twelve, came to pay me a 
visit the French Engineer, Baraset De Kermorvan, who 
came by my son Christopher's from camp, and is going to 
York Town. He brought me a letter from him of the 
twelfth instant, that gave us an agreeable account that all 
their family were in good health, but to counterbalance, 
mentioned that they had met with fearful alarms since the 
enemy left town, it's said with their whple army, in order 
to attack Washington's army at Chestnut Hill, but are now 
returned to town, finding his army too strong in that situa- 
tion to engage him. This, Howe was informed of by a 
deserter from Col. Proctor's Regiment of Artillery ; that 
they had taken in with them some cattle, and it's reported, 
a quantity of forage, although our people pursued them ; 
and, by a person since come out of town, who says that 
twenty-five wagons, with killed and wounded, were brought 
in. * * 

15^7,^. * * Upon the rumour yesterday of Gen. 
Howe's army's being on the Lancaster Road, it's said that 
the papers and records belonging to the Executive Council 
were packed up and sent by wagons to York Town ; it's 
said that the English army is returned into Philadelphia and 
that our army is on this side of [the] Schuylkill. Our As- 
Bembly continues sitting here. It's said that a spirited letter 



i 



1777.] REMEMBRANCER. 171 

is penned by them to send to Congress to morrow, respect- 
ing the report of our troops' going into winter quarters, as 
the enemy are attempting to, and does, ravage the country 
for a number of miles' extent around Philada. 

Decejnher 16th. * * The circumstances of affairs of [a] 
public nature make a very gloomy appearance. Our City, 
with its virtuous inhabitants that could not escape, in the 
hands of cruel taskmasters ; the country around ravaged, 
stripped and destroyed, with houses, barns, &c., burnt and 
levelled with the ground by the same band of banditti worse 
than savages ; no priests nor prophets, but such as are de- 
lineated by Jeremiah in his Lamentations. The thoughts 
of these things, and having my children with their lovely 
offspring in the very jaws of these enemies, afflict me sorely, 
break my peace and disturb my rest, but here I must stop, 
because the Lord is good and does not afflict willingly. The 
cause is of our side ; we have grossly offended ; yet spare 
us, O Lord my God ! Spare thy people and bless thine in- 
heritance, for Jesus Christ's sake. * * 

20th. * *' Also came James Davidson, who 
brought me from Gen. Roberdeau the Continental Bills 
of Exchange for what he took from me of said specie, being 
defaced with the damp. * * 

2lst. * * No news of any moment to be de- 
pended upon, except General orders from head quarters, 
encouraging the army to build huts and to content them- 
selves where they are now. * * 

22nd. * *' In [the] afternoon, returned the three 
men and two wagons from York Town, as went last. They 
called to get some sustenance, as they could get none on the 
road from York Town till here. After refreshing them- 
selves, they set out for home just at dusk. * * 



172 Marshall's [1777, 

December 25th. * * Yesterday came to this town 
from York, Gen. Conway, on his way down to head quar- 
ters, and also to propose two Brigadier Generals in the room 
of Gen. Potter [and] Gen. Armstrong, who propose to go 
from the army unto their own homes. No company dined 
with us to day, except Dr. Phyle, one of our standing 
family. We had a good roast turkey, plain pudding, and 
minced pies. * * 

26th. * * This evening Col. Proctor called, 
drank tea, stayed some time, giving a relation of the suffer- 
ings of the back inhabitants, through the inroads now mak- 
ing by the Indians and the soldiery from Fort Detroit. 

27th. * * I spent the evening at home examin- 
ing part of [the] History of Ephrata, brought me by Peter 
Miller for my inspection and correction. There appears to 
be no kind of news to be depended upon, but as for lies, 
this place is really pregnant and brings forth abundance 
daily, I might safely say, hourly. Caleb Johnston, that 
was sent to prison for aiding and assisting [James] Brooks 
to get out of our prison, as it's said, is just released from 
confinement. * * 

28th. * * Our affairs wear a very gloomy as- 
pect. Great part of our army gone into winter quarters; 
those in camp wanting breeches, shoes, stockings, [and] 
blankets, and by accounts brought yesterday, were in want 
of flour, yet being in the land of plenty ; our farmers hav- 
ing their barns and barracks full of grain ; hundreds of 
barrels of flour lying on the banks of the Susquehannah 
perishing for want of care in securing it from the weather, 
and from the danger of being carried away, if a freshet 
should happen in the river ; fifty wagon loads of cloths and 
ready made clothes for the soldiery in the Clothier General's 



1777.] REMEMBRANCER. 173 

Store in Lancaster ; (this I say from the demand made by 
John Mease to the President a few days past, when the 
enemy was expected to be coming this way, for this num- 
ber of wagons to take away these stores,) our enemies 
revelling in balls, attended with every degree of luxury and 
excess in the City ; rioting and wantonly using our houses, 
utensils and furniture ; all this [and] a numberless number 
of other abuses we endure from that handful of banditti, to 
the amount of six or seven thousand men, headed by that 
monster of rapine, Gen. Howe. Add to this their frequent 
excursions round about for twenty miles together, destroy- 
ing and burning what they please, pillaging, plundering 
men and women, stealing boys above ten years old, de- 
flowering virgins, driving into the City for their use, droves 
of cattle, sheep [and] hogs ; poultry, butter, meal, meat, 
cider, furniture and clothing of all kinds, loaded upon our 
own horses. All this is done in the view of our Generals 
and our army, who are careless of us, but carefully con- 
sulting where they shall go to spend the winter in jollity, 
gaming and carousing. O tell not this in France or Spain ! 
Publish it not in the streets of London, Liverpool or Bristol, 
lest the uncircumcised there should rejoice, and shouting for 
joy, say " America is ours, for the rebels are dismayed and 
afraid to fight us any longer ! O Americans, where is now 
your virtue? O Washington, where is your courage?" 
* * * News to-day is that Col. Bull, on the twenty-fifth 
instant, made an excursion into Fourth street in Philadel- 
phia, with two thousand militia [and] alarmed the City by 
firing off some pieces of cannon into the air, whereby some 
of the balls fell about Christ Church, He then made a good 
retreat back to his station, without the loss of one man. It's 
further said that it alarmed Gen. Howe, who was then at 

a 



174 Marshall's remembrancer. [1777- 

Darby, so that he and his army posted immediately with all 
speed back to the City. It's further added that Gen. Howe 
has ordered all the fire buckets that can be found in the 
City to be put aboard his fleet. * * 

December 2^th, * * It's said that Gen. Sullivan, on 
the retreat of Gen. Howe's army on Christmas Day from 

Darby, on the alarm given by Cols. Bull, Antis and 

(in three divisions, instead of one under Col. Bull as above, 
but all militia,) took thirteen provision wagons loaded from 
the enemy. * * * Visited in the evening by Dr. Yeardwell, 
who told me they had made a hospital at Ephrata, in which 
were near two hundred and forty-seven sick and wounded 
men. * * 

3l5if. * * Visited by Jedediah Snowden and 
Benja. Harbeson, for me to sign a petition they were carry- 
ing about, for the purpose of requesting the Assembly to 
call out the whole force of this State, immediately, while 
there is a prospect of this severe cold weather's lasting, in 
order to attack Gen. Howe in and out of our City, and 
thereby entirely ruin his army, and rid the Colonies of such 
cruel monsters. I then went to writing or, more properly, 
correcting the Annals of Ephrata, and so continued till bed 
time, near eleven o'clock. * * 



APPENDIX 



APPENDIX 



(A) 

At the close of the First Volume of Mr. Marshall's Re- 
membrancer are the accounts of the Overseers of the Poor 
(Christopher Marshall, James Eddy, George Morrison and 
Hugh Forbes) for the year commencing in March, 1758. 
Many of the entries are curious as throwing light upon the 
manners of the time ; others, as furnishing us with the prices 
of that day. A few are subjoined. The accounts are in 
Pennsylvania currency. 

City of Philadelphia, for the Poor^ Dr. 

1758 £ s, d. 

May 7. To two negroes, wheeling Cath. 

Shannon to Alms House 1 6 

8. To turning an old beggar out of 

town. Is. His coffee. Is. 6d. 2 6 

15. To Saml. Crispin for Margt. Grant's 

child's coffin 5 

18. To Granny Ganderwit for laying 

Mary Mackinary 10 

19. To Mary Mackinary, lying in 5 

Jidy 7. To John Wallace's bill for wood, 

being twelve cords 6 10 3 



IV APPENDIX. 

£ s. d. 
14. To amount of Pension Book* from 

March 30 to June 25 67 14 

October 3. To amount of Pension Book from 

June 30 to Sept. 22 63 13 6 

23. To Cash, Quart of rum for tailor 1 1 

31. To Hannah Pearson, for part 

curing Mary Carter's scald head 1 10 
Nov, 18. To Capt. Campbell fov freight for 
Rachael Maguire and children 
to Carolina 17 

25. To William Young, earthenware 

for a horse 1 3 10 

Dec. 16. To poor woman to pay for lodg- 
ing 4 
29. To amount of Pension Book to the 

15th inst. 57 13 11 

** To Cash to Granny Pawling for 

laying Peg Neal 10 

30* To Cash to taking man to work- 
house and conveying him thence 
to Charleston 3 6 

1759 

Jan. 4. To two pairs of breeches 6 8 

27. To cash gave John Burden, his 

family very sick 5 

Feb. 15. To cash for four yards Osnabrigs 

for a shift for Rachael Glover 5 4 

27. To Cash for ferriage of Alice Hol- 
land to the Jerseys 4 

* For the out-door poor. 



APPENDIX 



1758 

^pril 10. 
July 22. 



August 2. 



28. 

October 7. 
Nov. 1. 

9. 



Cr, 

By Cash, of Robert Strettle fining 

a woman for swearing 
" '-of Capt. Mitchell for ex- 
penses in burying of John Lind- 
sey 

" " of Capt. Mitchell, his 
fine for swearing three oaths 

" " of Widow Woman for re- 
storing a little black pig, taken 
to the Alms House 

" ** of Ed. Shippen, for five 
fines, viz. Aquila Jones, Geo. 
Bryan, Thomas Smith, John 
Jones, and John Jennings, for 
refusing to serve as Constables, 
at ^5 each 

" " of the Mayor, for a fine, 
received of Mary Zebulum, for 
entertaining negroes 

" " of Mary Chesnell, for 
entertaining a strange woman 

" " of the Mayor, a fine he 
received of Capt. Gash, for re- 
fusing to entertain the officers 
billeted on him 

" '' of James Coultass, late 
Sheriff", being a fine paid by 
Laughlane McClain for kissing 
a2 



M 



d. 



15 



10 



25 



1 



15 



VI APPENDIX. 

£ s. d, 
of Osborn's wife, (after his 
commissions and writing bond 
were deducted) 24 5 

1759 

Jan G. " *' for a poor sailor, of C apt. 

Farris 10 

The totals for the period embraced in these accounts 
(from March 29, 1758, to March 26, 1759) are 

s. d. 
Receipts ^61189 10 
Expenditures ^1103 4 lOi 

Commissions at 9 
per con £1189 44 11 9 



1147 16 71 

41 4 2i 
To which add for sum short in one of the 

duplicates 9 1 11 



£50 6 1| 

There appear in these accounts no receipts of taxes for the 
support of the poor. There is no mention of any money 
spent for segars, wines, liquors, &c., for the overseers, the 
charges for which, swell up Alms House accounts in these 
more modern times ; nor does the word *' sundries" once 
occur. 

On the 20th of August, 1759, Thomas Lawrence, the 
Mayor of Philadelphia, directed the overseers to pay the 



APPENDIX. Vn 



above balance to their successors (Robert Towers, William 
Faulkener, James Stevenson, and James James.) The 
receipt of Mr. Stevenson is endorsed upon the order. 



Dr. Chovet's Lectures were on Anatomy. The follow- 
ing was his Advertisement. 

" At the Anatomical Museum 
in Videl's Alley, Second Street, on Wednesday, the Seventh 
of December at six in the evening 

Dr. Chovet 
will begin his course of Anatomical and Physiological Lec- 
tures, in which the several parts of the human body will be 
demonstrated, with their mechanism and actions, together 
with the doctrines of life, health and the several effects 
resulting from the actions of the parts ; on his curious col- 
lection of Anatomical wax- works, and other natural prepa- 
rations ; to be continued the whole winter until the course is 
completed. 

As this course cannot be attended with the disagreeable 
sight or smell of recent diseased and putrid carcases, which 
often disgust even the students in Physick, as well as the 
curious, otherwise inclined to this useful and sublime part of 
natural philosophy, it is hoped this undertaking will meet 
with suitable encouragement. 

Tickets to be had for the whole course at Dr. Chovet's 
house in Second Street, Philadelphia." 

A writer in the New York Gazette in 1828, over the 
signature of '* An Old Philadelphian" speaks of Dr. Chovet 
as follows : 



Vm APPENDIX. 

** Dr. Chovet, a most eccentric man, full of anecdote and 
noted for his propensity for what is now termed quizzing, 
resided in Race above Third Street. The Doctor was what 
was termed a Tory ; was licensed to say and do what he 
pleased, at which no one took umbrage. He one day 
entered the Old Coflee House, corner of Market and Front 
Streets, with an open letter in his hand. It was twelve 
o'clock, change hour; the merchants all assembled. On 
seeing the Doctor they all surrounded him, enquiring what 
news he had in that letter, which he stated he had just 
received by a king's ship, arrived in New York. In reply 
to this inquiry, he said that the letter contained information 
of the death of an old cobbler in London, who had his stall 
in one of the by-streets, and asked the gentlemen what they 
supposed the cobbler had died worth. One said £5000, 
another ^6 10,000, and another £20,000, sterling. No, gen- 
tlemen, no ; You are all mistaken ; not one farthing, gentle- 
men; running out, laughing at the joke at the expense of 
the collected mercantile wisdom of the City. 

" Another time, having been sent for to the Spanish 
Minister, Don Juan (I forget his name) who resided in 
old Mr. Chew's house in Third Street, between Walnut and 
Spruce Streets, the weather being rather unpleasant, the 
Minister ordered his carriage to the door to convey the Doc- 
tor home. The Doctor, full of fun and joke, directed the 
coachman to drive by the Coffee House, which, as he 
approached, was perceived by the merchants, who imme- 
diately drew up in order, hats off, to pay their respects to 
Don, as minister from a friendly power. The Doctor kept 
himself close back in the carriage until directly opposite the 
Coffee House, the gentlemen all bowing and scraping, when 
he pops out his head — good morning, gentlemen, good 



APPENDIX. IX 



morning ; 1 hope you are all well ; thank you in the name 
of his Majesty King George ; and drove off, laughing 
heartily at having again joked with the Philadelphia Whigs. 



(C) 

ETYMOLOGY OF THE WORD '* YANKEE." 
(From the Evening Post, No. 53.) 
When the New England colonies were first settled, the 
inhabitants were obliged to fight their way against many 
nations of Indians. They found but little difficulty in sub- 
duing them all, except one tribe, who were known by the 
name of Yankoos, which signifies invincible. After the 
waste of much blood and treasure, the Yankoos were at last 
subdued by the New Englanders. The remains of this 
nation (agreeably to the Indian custom) transferred their 
name to the conquerors. For a while they were called 
Yankoos, but from a corruption common to names in all lan- 
guages, they got through time to the name of Yankees, a 
name which, we hope, will soon be equal to that of a 
Roman or an ancient Englishman. 



(D) 

LETTER OF THE HON. THOMAS m'kEAN, RESPECTING THE 
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 

Philadelphia, June 16, 1817. 
Messrs. William McKorkle and Son, 
Gentlemen, 
Several applications having been recently made to me, to 
state the errors which I had observed and often mentioned in 



X APPENDIX. 

the publication of the names of the members of the Conti- 
nental Congress, who declared in favour of the Independ- 
ence of the United States on the 4th day of July, 1776—1 
have not at present sufficient health and leisure to reply 
severally to each application. There can be but one correct 
statement of facts ; one public statement, therefore, through 
the press, will serve the purpose of the gentlemen who have 
made the request, and may also give satisfaction to the 
minds of others, who have turned their thoughts upon the 
subject. If I am correct in my statement, it may be of use 
for future historians ; if not, my errors can be readily cor- 
rected. I wish, therefore, by means of your paper, to make 
the following statement of the facts within my knowledge, 
relative to the subject of enquiry. 

On Monday, the First Day of July, 1776, the arguments 
in Congress for and against the Declaration of Independence 
having been exhausted, and the measure fully considered, 
the Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole ; 
the question was put by the Chairman, and all the States 
voted in the affirmative, except Pennsylvania, which was in 
the negative, and Delaware, which was equally divided, 
Pennsylvania at that time had seven members, viz., John 
Morton, Benjamin Franklin, James Wilson, John Dickin- 
son, Robert Morris, Thomas Willing, and Charles Hum- 
phreys. All were present on the First of July, and the 
three first named voted for the Declaration of Independence, 
the remaining four against it. The State of Delaware had 
three members, Caesar Rodney, George Read, and myself. 
George Read and I were present. I voted for it ; George 
Read against it. When the President resumed the chair, 
the chairman of the committee of the whole made his report, 
which was not acted upon, until Thursday, the Fourth of 



APPENDIX. XI 

July. In the mean time, I had written to press the attend- 
ance of Caesar Rodney, the third delegate from Delaware, 
who appeared early on that day at the State House in his 
place. When the Congress assembled, the question was 
put on the report of the Committee of the Whole and ap- 
proved by every State. Of the members from Pennsylva- 
nia, the three first as above, voted in the affirmative, and the 
two last in the negative. John Dickinson and Robert 
Morris were present and did not take their seats on that day. 
Caesar Rodney, for the State of Delaware, voted with me in 
the affirmative, and George Read in the negative. 

Some months after this, I saw printed publications of the 
names of those gentlemen, who had, as it was said, voted 
for the Declaration of Independence, and observed that my 
own name was omitted. I was not a little surprised at, nor 
could I account for the omission ; because I knew that on 
the 24th of June preceding, the deputies from the Commit- 
tees of Pennsylvania, assembled in Provincial Conference, 
held at the Carpenters' Hall, Philadelphia, which had met 
on the 18th and chosen me their President, had unanimously 
declared theirwillingness to concur in a vote of the Con- 
gress, declaring the United Colonies, Free and Independent 
States, and had ordered their Declaration to be signed, and 
their President to deliver it into Congress, which accord- 
ingly, I did, the day following ; I knew also that a regiment 
of associators, of which I was Colonel, had at the end of 
May before, unanimously made the same declaration. These 
circumstances were mentioned at the time to the gentlemen 
of my acquaintance. The error remained uncorrected until 
the year 1781, when I was appointed to publish the laws of 
Pennsylvania, to which I prefixed the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence and inserted my own name with the names of my 



xii appendix:. 

colleagues. Afterwards, in 1797, when the late A, J. 
Dallas, Esqr., then Secretary of the Commonwealih, was; 
appointed to publish an edition of the laws, on comparing the 
names published as subscribed to the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, he observed a variance : and the omission in some 
pubhcations of the name of Thoraas McKean ; having pro- 
cured a certificate from the Secretary of State that the name 
of Thomas McKean was affixed in his own hand writing to 
the original Declaration of Independence, though omitted in 
the Journal of Congress, Mr. Dallas then requested an 
explanation of this circumstance from me, and from my 
answer to this application, the following extracts were taken 
and pubhshed by Mr. Dallas in the Appendix to the first 
volume of his edition to the Laws. 

" For several years past I have been taught to think less- 
[un] favourably of skepticism than formerly. So many 
things have been misrepresented, mis-stated and erroneously 
printed (with seeming authenticity) under my oM^n eye, as 
in my opinion to render those who doubt of every thing not 
altogether inexcusable. The publication of the Declaration 
of Independence on the 4th day of July, 1776, as printed in 
the Journals of Congress, vol. 2. page 242, &c., and also in 
the acts of most public bodies since, so far as respects the 
names of the delegates or deputies who made that declara- 
tion, has led to the above reflection. By the printed publi- 
cations referred to, it would appear as if the fifty-five gentle- 
men, whose names are there printed, and none other, were 
on that day, personally present in Congress and assenting to 
the declaration; whereas the truth is otherwise. The fol- 
lowing gentlemen were not members on the 4th of July, 
1776, namely, Matthew Thornton, Benjamin Rush, George 
Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, and George Ross, 



APPENDIX. Xlll 

Esquires. The five last named were not chosen delegates 
until the 20th of that month ; the first not until the 12th day 
of September, following, nor did he take his seat in Congress 
until the 4th of November, which was four months after. 
The Journal of Congress, vol. 2d, pages 277 and 442, as 
well as those of the Assembly of the State of Pennsylvania, 
page 53, and of the General Assembly of New Hampshire 
establish these facts. Although the six gentlemen named 
had been very active in the American cause, and some of 
them, to my own knowledge, warmly in favour of its inde- 
pendence previous to the day on which it was declared, yet 
I personally know that none of them were in Congress on 
that day. 

" Modesty should not rob a man of his just honour, when 
by that honour his modesty cannot be offended.— -My name 
is not in printed journals of Congress, as a party to the 
Declaration of Independence, and this, like an error in the 
first correction, has vitiated most of the subsequent publica- 
tions, and yet the fact is that I was then a member of Con- 
gress for the State of Delaware, was personally present in 
Congress, and voted in favour of Independence on the 4th of 
July, 1776, and signed the Declaration after it had been 
engrossed on parchment, where my name in my own hand 
writing still appears. Henry Wisner, of the State of New 
York, was also in Congress and voted for Independence. 

" I do not know how the mis-statement in the printed 
journals has happened. The manuscript public journal has 
no names annexed to the Declaration of Independence, nor 
has the secret journal; but it appears by the latter that on 
the 19th day of July, 1776, the Congress directed that it 
should be engrossed on parchment and signed by every 
member^ and that it was so produced on the 2nd of August 

B 



XIV APPENDIX. 

and signed. This is interlined in the secret journal in the 
hand writing of Charles Thompson, Esq., the Secretary. 
The present Secretary of State of the United States and 
myself have lately inspected the journals, and seen this. — 
The journal was first printed by Mr. John Dunlap, in 1778, 
and probably copies, with the names they signed to it, were 
printed in August 1776, and that Mr. Dunlap printed the 
names from one of them." 

Your most obedient servant, 

THOS. McKEAN. 



(E) 

The following Proclamations and General Orders were 
issued shortly after General Putnam's assuming the com- 
mand in Philadelphia. 

Philadelphia, December 12, 1776. 

All officers of the Continental army who are now in this 
City by furlough or order (those only excepted who are in the 
recruiting service or who may have leave of absence in writ- 
ing from the Commander in Chief) are hereby required to 
join their respective corps before to-morrow evening. 

Officers who have the charge of sick soldiers in or near 
the City, and who are included in the foregoing order, are 
directed to make returns to Dr. Jonathan Potts, at Mr. John 
Biddle's in Market Street, of the numbers and places of re- 
sidence of their sick, that proper care may be taken of them. 

The late advances of the enemy towards this place oblige 
the General to request the inhabitants of this City not to ap- 
pear in the streets after ten o'clock at night, as he has given 
orders to the picquet guard to arrest and confine all persons 
who may be found in the streets after that hour. Physicians 
and others, having essential business abroad after the hour, 
are directed to call at Head Quarters for passes. 

ISRAEL PUTNAM. 



APPENDIX. XV 

Head (Quarters, Philadelphia, December 13, 1776. 

The General has been mformed that some weak or wicked 
men have maliciously reported that it is the design and wish 
of the officers and men in the Continental army to burn and 
destroy the city of Philadelphia. To counteract such a false 
and scandalous report, he thinks it necessary to inform the 
inhabitants who propose to remain in the City, that he has 
received positive orders from the Honourable Continental 
Congress and from his Excellency General WASHING- 
TON, to secure and protect the city of Philadelphia against 
all invaders and enemies. The General will consider every 
attempt to burn the city of Philadelphia as a crime of the 
blackest dye, and will, without ceremony, punish capitally, 
any incendiary who shall have the hardiness and cruelty to 
attempt it. 

The General commands all able bodied men in the city 
of Philadelphia who are not conscientiously scrupulous 
against bearing arms, and who have not been known here- 
tofore to entertain such scruples, to appear in the State 
House Yard to-morrow morning, at ten o'clock, with their 
arms and accoutrements. This order must be complied 
with ; the General being resolutely determined that no person 
shall remain in this City an idle spectator of the present 
contest who has it in his power to injure the American cause 
or who may refuse to lend his aid to the support of it, 
persons under conscientious scruples before mentioned, only 
excepted. 

All persons who have arms or accoutrements which they 
cannot or do not mean to employ in defence of America, are 
hereby ordered to deliver them to Mr. Robert Towers, who 
will pay for the same. Those who are convicted of secreting 
any arms or accoutrements will be severely punished. 

ISRAEL PUTNAM, Major General. 



GENERAL ORDERS. 

Head Gluarters, Philadelphia Dee. 14, 1776. 
Col. Griffin is appointed Adjutant General to the troops 
in and about this City. All orders from the General through 
him, either written or verbal, are to be strictly attended to 
and punctually obeyed. 



XVI APPENDIX. 

The General, to his great astonishment, has been in- 
formed that several of the inhabitants of this city have refused 
to take the Continental Currency in payment for goods. In 
future, should any of the inhabitants be so lost to public 
virtue and the welfare of their country as to presume to re- 
fuse the currency of the American States in payment for any 
commodities they may have for sale, the goods shall be for- 
feited, and the person or persons so refusing committed to 
close confinement. 

In case of an alarm of fire, the city guards and patroles 
are to sufler the inhabitants to pass unmolested at any hour 
of the night, and the good people of Philadelphia are ear- 
nestly requested and desired to give every assistance in their 
povv^er with engines and buckets to extinguish the fire. And 
as the Congress have ordered the City to be defended to the 
last extremity, the General hopes that no person will refuse 
to give every assistance possible to complete the fortifica- 
tions that are to be erected in and about the city. 

ISRAEL PUTNAM, Major General. 



APPENDIX. XVll 



(F) 

Hath not Heaven warned you what must ensue 

And Providence declared against you ; 

Hung forth its dire portents of war 

By signsjl and beacons in the air ; 

Alarmed old women all around, 

By fearful noises under ground, 

While earth for many dozen leagues 

Groaned with her dismal load of whigs ? 

Was there a meteor far or wide 

But mustered on the Tory side ? 

A star malign that has not bent 

Its aspects for the parliament, 

Forboding your defeat and misery, 

As once they warred against old Sisera? 

Was there a cloud that spread the skies 

But bore our armies of allies 1 

While dreadful hosts of fire stood forth 

Mid baleful glimmerings from the North ; 

Which plainly shews which part they joined. 

For North's the minister, ye mind, 

Whence oft your quibblers in gazettes 

On northern blasts have strained their wits ; 

And think ye not the clouds know how 

To make the pun as well as you ? 

Did there arise an apparition 

But grinned forth ruin to sedition ? 

II Such stories of prodigies were at that time industriously propagated 
by the tory party in various parts of New England, to terrify and in- 
|;imidate the superstitious. 

C 



XVlll APPENDIX. 

A death-watch but has joined our leagues 

And clicked destruction to the Whigs ? 

Heard ye not when the wind was fair 

At night, our or'tors in the air, 

That loud as admiralty libel 

Read awful chapters from the bible, 

And death and deviltry denounced 

And told you how you'd soon be trounced ? 

I see to join our conquering side 

Heaven earth and hell at once ally'd. 

M<=Fingal— Lines 1274-1310. 



(G) 



Abstract from the return of the number of houses and 
inhabitants in the City of Philadelphia, Northern Liberties 
and the District of Southwark, delivered to Lord Cornwallis 
by persons appointed for that purpose soon after the British 
troops took possession of the City. 





Occupied 


Empty 




Dwellings, 


Dwellings 


City, 


3,480 


383 


Northern Liberties, 


1,151 


135 


Southwark, 


764 


72 




6,395 


590 



Total number of dwellings, 5,985. 





APPENDIX. 


3 




Occupied 


Empty 




Stores. 


Stores. 


City, 


116 


199 


Northern Liberties, — 


35 


South wark. 


— 


6 




116 


240 


Total number of Stores, 356. 






Males Males 


Female*. 




under 18. over 18 






& under 60 


. 


City, 


3,411 3,359 


9,077 


Northern Liberties, 


1,254 1,034 


2,727 


Southwark, 


670 603 


1,599 




5,335 4,996 


13,403 


Total number of Males 






under 60, 

Total, 


10,331 




23,734 



XIX 



END OF VOLUME I. 



ERRATA. 

Page 13, line 13, for February^ read December. 

" 15, " 6, for Chovel, read Chovet. 

" 27, '• 12, Williavisburgh. j 

" 32, " 20, for Skem, read Skene. I 

« 36, " 12, read PsaZm. ) 

" 57, lines 9 and 16, for Chambly, read Chamblee, ( 

" 78, line 28, after order, add to. j 

" 79, " 25, for Bamside, read Burnside. ] 

" 84, " 4, for those, read ^A.ree. j 

" 93, « 12, for ^oAen, read ^ofi/im. | 

" 94, last line, read twenty four -gallon. i 

" 96, line 16, after being made, add to me. j 

" 96, " 21, for waited, read wanted. 

" 97, lines 22 and 28, for Bohem, read Boehm. j 

•' 122, line 30, for upon, read upon. ] 

" vi. (App.) lines 11 and 12, for 9 per cent., read 3| per | 

cent. I 



